Disability and Mental Health

People with mental health problems are full citizens. As such, they have equal rights and are entitled to dignity, equal treatment, independent living and full participation in society. 

EU developments

The main purpose of the EU long-term strategy for the active inclusion of people with disabilities, the European Disability Strategy (2004-2010), is to enable people with disabilities to enjoy their rights. The Disability Action Plan  (DAP) is a key instrument for achieving this goal.

To read more about EU developments, click here

MHE key activities in this field

 MHE has been involved the European Disability Forum (EDF) 10^th anniversary campaign, '1million4disability '. This campaign, launched on 23 January 2007, aimed at collecting one million signatures across the European Union in favour of a comprehensive European disability legislation that will protect disabled people from discrimination in all fields of life. On 4 October 2007, a massive and festive outdoor gathering took place in Brussels and signatures were handed over to the EU leaders.

To read more about MHE activities in the field of disability, click here

MHE contact person 

For more information on these issues, please contact Josée Van Remoortel, MHE Senior Policy Advisor, at the MHE Secretariat:

Email info@mhe-sme.org and vanremoorteljosee@skynet.be 

MHE position papers 

MHE Response to the EC Green Paper on Public Transport (March 2008)  

MHE contribution to the European Committee of Ministers of Transport (April 2005)  

MHE events 

There are no current events.  

Key reports

European Coalition for Community Living (ECCL) report: Focus Report on Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Key documents 

EU Disability Action Plan: 2008-2009 

EU Regulation on the Rights of Disabled Air-Passengers 

UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities  

Inclusion Europe's study: 'The Specific Risks of Discrimination Against Persons in Situation of Major Dependence or with Complex Needs' 

European study: 'Deinstitutionalisation and Community Living - Outcomes and Costs' 

Declaration on Recognising the Rights of Girls and Women with Disabilities 

EP report on the situation of women with disabilities  

Useful links 

Disability votes count! (EDF Campaign)

European Disability Forum (EDF)

‘1million4disability' campaign 

Inclusion Europe 

DECLOC Project 

European Coalition for Community Living (ECCL)