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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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James Cawley with Midlands North-West MEP Maria Walsh
Well known disabled activist James Cawley has been selected as a European Disability Forum Irish delegate to attend the European Parliament in May.
The delegation is being facilitated by Disability Federation of Ireland.
This is the Fifth European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities taking place in Brussels in May 2023.
The European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities is a platform to discuss the rights of persons with disabilities and decide on the political demands of the European disability movement.
The event takes place in the European Parliament in Brussels, usually one year ahead of the European Elections.
Drumlish native, James who professionally works in a Business Development Executive role with the Irish Centre for Diversity told the Leader: “I am thrilled to be selected to go to the parliament in May and to bring my lived experience and activism to this really important and collective event.
“As a keen disabled activist I feel this is an incredible opportunity and platform to reunite over 600 disability advocates, policymakers and other key stakeholders to discuss the rights of persons with disabilities and influence the European (and wider) Disability Movement.
“I believe the delegation is a strong and committed team of disabled people with diverse perspectives and lived experience who will engage with their disabled colleagues from all member states.
“I think it is so important more now than ever that Disabled people speak up for themselves or join a collective space where they feel they can be heard.
“As an activist I’m willing to bring that single advocacy piece into collective activism and I feel this is the opportunity to do so. I encourage any disabled person who feels they don't have a voice to get in touch."
The theme for the event is “Building an inclusive future for persons with disabilities in the EU.”
Delegates will be attenting panels and plenary debates which will be taking place in the hemicycle of the European Parliament, on the following topics:
-UN CRPD
-Political and Civil participation
-Free movement
-A more social Europe
-The EU’s resilience to crisis.
Feel free to reach out to James on jamesjnr@live.com
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