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

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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 (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:
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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Thank you for the attention!