Who we are
Ieder(in) is the umbrella organisation for persons with disabilities or chronic diseases. Over two hundred organisations are member to Ieder(in), making us the largest network for persons with disabilities in the Netherlands.
Through extensive collaboration with other organisations, we contribute to a broad coalition of organisations advocating for human rights in the Netherlands.
Our goal
Ieder(in) is committed to an inclusive society, in which everyone can take part, and no-one is excluded. To achieve this, our society has to be based on the rights of persons with disabilities or chronic diseases. Individuals with a disability or chronic disease should be able to rely on adequate care and support. They should have the same access to housing, education, employment, travels, and leisure activities as everyone else.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The human rights of persons with disabilities or chronic diseases are clearly set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Dutch government has ratified the convention in 2016 and is therefore obligated to improve the position of persons with disabilities or chronic diseases, towards the fulfilment of these rights.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is our guiding principle and our positions and arguments are derived from this convention.
What we do
Advocacy
We represent the political and societal interests of persons with disabilities or chronic diseases. We address the rights and position of persons with disabilities in dialogue with ministers and secretaries of state, members of parliament and government departments and we take part in meetings of other advocacy organisations.
Supporting local advocacy
We support local advocacy organisations. Many laws and policies that impact the lives of persons with disabilities or chronic diseases are made on the municipal level. We intent to strengthen local advocacy by sharing expertise, practical information and facilitating exchange between local and national disability advocates.
Informing our network
We inform our members and partners in our broader network about (upcoming) changes in legislation and provide context to help them take an informed stance. We report current developments, both political and societal, relevant to persons with disabilities or chronic diseases. We do this with our website, social media, e-mail newsletters end network gatherings.
Nothing about us, without us
Lived experiences of persons with disabilities are the foundation of our work. The perspectives, voices and expertise of persons with disabilities need to be central in policy- and decision-making. Nothing about us, without us. Because of this, we involve persons with disabilities or chronic diseases in our advocacy, within our association, among our staff and in collaborations.
How we are organised
The association
Ieder(in) has a membership of over two hundred organisations. The member organisations convene during a biannual General Assembly, which is the highest decision-making body in the organisation.
Members are informed regularly about our advocacy work and are the first partners in any campaign.
All disability and patient advocacy organisations can apply for membership of Ieder(in). Membership is granted through a vote during a General Assembly.
The board
The board consists of six individuals, elected by the members during general meetings. The current board members are:
- Sonja Kersten (chair)
- Pieter Cornelissen (treasurer)
- Amany Shalha
- Anke Vervoord
- Robbert van Driel
- Olga de Wit
The secretariat
The secretariat of Ieder(in) is located in Utrecht and is led by executive director Deborah Lauria. It has a staff of about fifty people, including policy advisors, communication advisors and support staff.
The network
Ieder(in) also collaborates with organisations other than its members, building a broader network of organisations who share our objective of an inclusive and accessible society. For example, human rights organisations, sector associations, unions, or grass-roots movements.