On 14th of October, I participated at the European Parliament in Brussels at the presentation of the report Community not confinement –the role of UE to promote and protect the right of persons with disabilities to live in community”which was presented by Open Society Mental Health Initiative.

At the presentation of this report participated self-advocates from Romania and Croatia,representatives of European Parliament and Open Society Mental Health Initiative.

I talked about how important is for us to live independent, to have community based services according to our individual needs but also about the situation of personal assistants in Romania.

That was the moment when I literally started to cry,thinking about how much effort members of families from my country make when they take care of a child or young with disabilities.

I talked also about the struggle that often families and youngs have:”What will happen with me after my parents won’t be with me any longer?” Was o hard for me to ask this question,but I had to, because is a real fact for us.Unfortunately.

Not less, I said that time has arrived to change the image persons with disabilities.Having the right support,we can become valuable members in our communities and contribute just like anyone ealse.

Mrs Daciana Sarbu, presented also at the meeting, assured us of her support and reminded us that we are not alone in our fight.

It was among our less meetings when we had an open conversation, where I really felt that our voice matters and we have Something to Say!

Raluca Popescu
Co-president