The European Platform of Deafness, Hard of Hearing and Deafblindness (EPDHDB) was officially reactivated during an online meeting on January 8, 2025.
This key initiative marks a renewed commitment to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and representation for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind communities across Europe. The Platform, which serves as a collaborative space for leading advocacy organizations, aims to promote accessible communication, ensuring better policymaking representation and fostering cooperation. More information about the Platform is available on the official website.
The meeting brought together key organizations, including EFHOH, the European Deafblind Network (EDbN), the European Union of the Deaf (EUD), the European Association of Cochlear Implant Users (EURO-CIU), and the European Federation of Parents of Hearing Impaired Children (FEPEDA).
A key focus of the meeting was setting strategic objectives for the Platform with a common ground between the organizations. Members agreed to prioritize common challenges concerning communication support, including ensuring access to captions, sign language and assistive technologies across Europe. The need to integrate advocacy efforts to address shared goals in healthcare, education, and employment was also highlighted.
Looking ahead, the Platform plans to organize collaborative initiatives in the future and strengthen partnerships with youth organizations to amplify the voices of young advocates as well. By uniting their resources and expertise, member organizations aim to shape European policy that removes communication barriers for all.