Organization
Hungarian Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability(ÉFOÉSZ)
ÉFOÉSZ is Hungary's national association representing people with intellectual disabilities and their families, working since the early 1980s to secure equal rights, opportunities, and inclusive participation in society. It maintains active self-advocacy groups, advocates for deinstitutionalisation and supported decision-making, and provides information in easy-to-read formats.
About
ÉFOÉSZ (Értelmi Fogyatékossággal Élők és Segítőik Országos Érdekvédelmi Szövetsége) was founded over 40 years ago as Hungary's umbrella body for organisations supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Based in Budapest, it represents persons with intellectual disability and their families at national level and through international networks including Inclusion Europe and Inclusion International. It maintains a strong self-advocacy tradition, with people with intellectual disabilities actively representing themselves within the organisation.
What They Do
ÉFOÉSZ produces accessible information in easy-to-read formats, publishes a quarterly newsletter ("Kapaszkodó"), provides legal and family support services, and organises national conferences, seminars, and cultural festivals. It advocates for deinstitutionalisation, supported decision-making, and inclusive education, and trains social workers in accessible communication.
Who They Serve
People with intellectual disabilities in Hungary, their families, carers, and the member organisations and local branches providing day care, residential, educational, and cultural services across the country.
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