“What do we want? Freedom! When do we want it? Now!”
OI impacts much more in our lives than just the direct health related aspects. OI can cause temporary or permanent mobility issues. These disabilities can create other challenges like inaccessibility, lack of independent living support, economic and social problems as well as discrimination and ableism. OIFE’s volunteers are therefore also engaged in advocacy on other topics than access to healthcare. Read the editorial from OIFE Board member Stephanie Claeys and her experience at the ENIL Freedom Drive Conference in Brussels!
On Monday, after a train ride from Bruges to Brussels and a challenging, inaccessible journey through Brussels, I arrived at the ENIL Freedom Drive conference. This conference brings together disabled activists, organizations, and supporters from across Europe to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and promote the concept of Independent Living. The event serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness and pushing for policy changes at the European level.
Upon my arrival, it was lunchtime, and afterwards, I attended a workshop focused on Ableism in the Art Sector. For those unfamiliar with the term, ableism refers to discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities, in favour of those who are non-disabled. It permeates many areas of society, and the art world is no exception.
The workshop was led by Belgian artist Josefien Cornette (she/they), who presented their research on ableism in the art world. They shared testimonies from students who encountered ableism during their studies. From this research, Josefien developed a checklist to evaluate how accessible art events are for people with disabilities. Interestingly, Josefien also lives with an invisible disability and could add an important personal perspective to the discussion.
In addition to Josefien’s presentation, we heard from Ingrid Thunem (they/them) from Norway, who spoke about their PhD on sexuality, disability, and queerness. Ingrid emphasized the role ableism plays in forming relationships for disabled people, which sparked a lively conversation. Audience members shared their own experiences, some of which were deeply moving.
After a break, we heard from representatives of two countries: Rebecca Tayler Edwards (she/her) from Disability Rights UK and Diogo Martins (he/him) from CIL Portugal. They discussed how Independent Living is approached in their respective countries. Portugal presented a timeline of the different phases, including a pilot project, while the UK highlighted a map of the country showing all the Independent Living Centers run by and for disabled people. It was truly impressive to see the scope of these initiatives.
As the day ended, I attended a youth session, which focused on introductions and political discussions.
I went back home that evening, and on Tuesday, a friend from Bruges joined me. We headed to Jubelpark in Brussels for the demonstration, which began at 10:45.
The protest was vibrant, with chants like:
The demonstration focused on deinstitutionalization and human rights, culminating at the European Parliament, where several newly elected members shared their vision for disability rights. Unfortunately, we learned that only three of the current Members of Parliament have a disability, down from six in the previous legislature—a disappointing revelation.
After two rounds of questions and answers with the parliamentarians, we returned to the Residence Palace in Brussels for a very nice walking dinner with drinks. Once again, I engaged in meaningful conversations, touching on topics like intersectionality, queerness, and ableism. It was a fulfilling end to a truly thought-provoking event.
I also took the opportunity over these two days to connect with others with OI: Lydie Raer from France, a member of Les Dévalideuses – a feminist/queer collective that dismantles misconceptions about disability. And after many years as Facebook friends, I finally met Elif Gamze, a feminist activist from Turkey. It was wonderful to be also around my peers these two days.
In two years, we will probably be back at the Freedom Drive. Will you join us?
Written by Stephanie Claeys, OIFE Board Member
![[Image shows a gouache/ink/pencil cartoon illustration I made in my sketchbook. Against a black background, a yellow orb frames an illustration of me sitting on the floor, crooked white femme with glasses and hair in a messy bun. I look down lovingly at the ghost of kid-me sitting in my lap, and hold the back of her head gently. She looks back at me and holds juniper (fluffy black cat) in her lap. Around the orb is abstract decorative designs of yellow vines, sparkles, and dots.]](https://oife.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Haley-Brown-illustration-300x236.png)
