Raising awareness of sensory impairment amongst older people 23 June 2014 Stefana Cankova EASPD Project & Membership Officer www.easpd.eu Facebook: EASPD Brussels Twitter: EASPD_Brussels

SensAge approach Focus on: Network Knowldege Base Research & Papers: Stakeholders and Policies Stakeholders Perspective Comparative Analysis of the Social and Health systems across Europe Recommendations Focus on: Quality of life: users’ needs and satisfaction In order to identify the challenges and the respective measures with need to be taken in each of these domains (policy; education; health) it is necessary to acquire information. Collection of quality data through a research conducted among experts within the network. Provide information about their country according to their expertise: How sensory impairments affect quality of life What is the current available data about sensory impairments amongst elderly people and does it indicate the real challenges related to the issue? What is the available care for elderly people with sensory imairments and who provides it? Does it answer their needs? How can the situation can be improved?

Stakeholders: Users Users All ages Lack of reliable statistical data Prominent need of regular support care Participation in society: strongly dependent on the available support Social and health implications: Reduced mobility Isolation Depression Reduced access to information Loss of self-confidence Willingness to learn and participate in the social life An increasing number of older people take-up opportunities to learn about a new subject or to refresh their knowledge in a particular study area by attending courses at universities and other educational institutions. However, adult learning extends beyond employment-related activities to include personal, civic and social skills in formal education and training systems or other settings. It may be the case that, the older that people get, the more likely it is that their participation in education and training activities will be for personal fulfilment (for example classes to develop computing or foreign language skills) or social contact.

Stakeholders Users Authorities and Institutions at: European National Local and municipal level Service Provider organisations Disabled persons’ organisations Volunteer organisations Caregivers, Family and friends EU: sets the overarching goals and framework through plans and strategis National: adapts legislation and monitors the implementation Local & Municipal: practical implementation

Policies UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities European Disability Strategy Council of Europe Action plan UNCRPD: New Paradigm shift- barrier free. Promote equal opportunities for disabled people through the provision of user-centred services, based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). 13 December 2006, 199 ratified EDS:EU in 2010, obliges its parties to produce an Implementation Strategy. It is based on this logic obligation that the European Union adopted the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (EDS) in 2010, to complement national efforts with a European-wide framework. The EDS’ main aim is to allow persons with disabilities to have the right to participate fully and equally in society and economy. The strategy reflects the same values as mentioned in the Convention. - See more at: http://easpd.eu/en/content/european-disability-strategy-2010-2020#sthash.36WhdwI5.dpuf CoE: It is addressed to the governments of all 47 member states of the Council of Europe. The fundamental goal of the Action Plan is to help member states reinforce anti-discriminatory and human rights measures. This will enhance equal opportunities and independence of people with disabilities and guarantee their freedom of choice, full citizenship, active participation in the community and improve their quality of life. The Plan provides a flexible framework for political decision-makers in order to produce a tailor-made roadmap for innovative disability legislation, policy and practice. It contains 15 action lines, including participation in political, public and cultural life, education, information and communication, employment, accessibility to the built environment and transport. It also draws attention to the needs of women and children with disabilities and severely disabled people in need of a high level of support

Challenges Recognition of the importance & interconnection between the different sensory impairments and ageing Lack of reliable data to support lobby work Advocacy and lobby power Access to adequate support needed by the individual Support to users’ families Education of staff Multidimensional issues related to the health and social implications of the sensory impairments among elderly Accessibility of the environment Access and use to new technologies Overcoming poverty Funding supporting development of services Right to work but also right to retire

Recommendations Collection of data: Up to data statistical data about distribution of sensory impairments which to be used for awareness raising and lobbying Evidence research- results and effectiveness of treatments Collection and exchange of good practices Identification of quality of life and quality of services indicators which to be used for data collection Involvement of civil society and users in development and implementation of policies Focus on prevention Focus on development of person-centred care services and support of independent living Multidisciplinary approach in care provision Training of care givers

Recommendations stakeholders’ perspective Based on well-being dimensions: Ensure the implementation of the UN CRPD Prepare older people to adapt to impairments and adjustment to new ways of communication Courses on new skills aging people can learn but also teach others Enable intergenerational relations and learning- take advantage of the knowledge of the elderly Old should be viewed as a developmental stage Encourage making and maintaining interpersonal relationship, participation in social networks and hobbies Address the emotional issues and needs in the support provision The law should provide a minimum livelihood, promote education and employment (avoiding early retirement) Development of good accessibility to the health services and wide use of new technologies Interpersonal relations Material well-being Personal development Physical well-being Social inclusion Enjoyment of rights

The Role of SensAge Identify relevant partners at EU & National level (SPs, DPOs…) Identify the relevant decision-makers at EU & National level Activate cooperation and advocacy potential Communicate clear needs and recommendations Further develop as the reference information and collaboration point on the topic in Europe through the Knowledge base: Awareness Research Models of good practice Methodologies Cooperation

Thank you for the attention!