| In the autumn of 2005,
the organizations representing people living with a spinal cord
injury in the different countries in Europe were offered a very
special opportunity - to meet in Nottwil, Switzerland, in order
to discuss the foundation of a pan-European federation.
The idea, in itself, was not new: some networks were
already in place and had been for several years. But this was the
first time that the initiative to actually gather as many organizations
as possible had been taken.
It came as no surprise that the organizations from
the 12 European countries who attended the initial meeting were
unanimous in the decision to found a federation - a federation that
could and should include all countries throughout Europe.
In spring 2006 the organizations met again in Nottwil
- this time 16 countries were represented - to attend the founding
assembly of the European Spinal Cord Injury Federation. At this
meeting the Statutes of the federation were approved by the delegates,
the members of the first Executive Board were elected and the work
of ESCIF could begin in earnest.
The vision of the federation is to improve the quality
of life of people in all parts of Europe who are living with a spinal
cord injury.
This will be achieved through:
The exchange of information, experience and
knowledge
The pan-European network will facilitate this exchange and will
work to ensure that information is available to all those living
with a spinal cord injury, irrespective of country.
Establishing and promoting 'best practice'
Insights and experience gained in the individual member countries
will enable ESCIF to develop guidelines for best practice in all
issues affecting people living with a spinal cord injury.
The creation of a unified voice in European
ESCIF will use its voice to inform, represent and lobby on behalf
of its members. It will work to raise awareness of the challenges
that confront people living with a spinal cord injury –
and it will strive to help its members to overcome these challenges.
|
c/o Swiss Paraplegic Association
Kantonstrasse 40
CH-6207 Nottwil
Switzerland
Email: info@escif.org
www: www.escif.org
Telephone: 0041 41 939 5403
Fax: 0041 41 939 5439
|
