Bridging the Gap works on inclusive communication with the European Commission

Despite the difficulties of the COVID19 pandemic, the European  Bridging the Gap cooperation project, in whose management the FIIAPP participates, continues its work to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities among its partner agencies. The latest activity consisted of training on inclusive and accessible communication for the staff of the European Commission General Directorate for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO). 

The aim of this training was to develop the necessary competencies and skills for the inclusion and non-discrimination of the disabled. It was addressed at staff in charge of tasks related to communication and the organisation of DG DEVCO events, both from the headquarters in Brussels and from the European Union delegations in other countries.  

During the four sessions the seminar lasted, empathy was fostered regarding such current discrimination. The main communication barrierswere dealt with according to different types of disabilities, and recommendations were given on inclusive language, improving physical and digital accessibility, and on good practice guidelines for the organisation of inclusive meetings and events. 

The materials presented, both the webinar and the document “Guidelines for inclusive and accessible communication” will be available on the DEVCO Academy platform to give access to as many people as possible, and also for them to form a reference that guides the work of said Directorate-General towards more inclusive communication. 

This activity is part of the communication, visibility and knowledge management strategies of the Bridging the Gap project to incorporate disability into international cooperation, in accordance with the provisions of the 2030 Agenda and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).