EUD
European Union of the Deaf (EUD)
Based in Brussels, Belgium it is a not-profit European non-Governmental organisation (ENGO) comprising National Associations of the Deaf (NADs). It is the only supranational organisation representig Deaf people at European level and is one of the few ENGOs representing associations in all 27 EU Member States, including Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Aiming to establish and maintain EU level dialogue with the European Union institutions and officials in consultation and co-operation with its member NADs, it also has participatory status with the Council of Europe (CoE). EUD is a full member of the European Disability Forum (EDF) and is a Regional Co-operating Member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) to tackle issues of global importance. It is supported by the Equality Unit within the Directorate General Justice at the European Commission.
It is EUD's aim to achieve equality in public and private life for Deaf people all over Europe to ensure they can become full citizens. Its main objectives are the recognition of the right to use an indigenous sign language, empowerment through communication and information, and equality in education and employment.
