The Association for Social Development and Aid Mobilization (ASAM) will take part in the upcoming European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) international conference titled “Empowering Families, Enabling Self-Determination: Rethinking Support at Every Life Stage,” to be held in Turin, Italy, on 20–21 October 2025.
Exploring Inclusive and Family-Centered Approaches
The conference will focus on the crucial role families and informal caregivers play in ensuring the inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities—often bridging gaps in formal service systems. Sessions will explore how support services can evolve into partnership-based, person-centered systems that uphold human rights and foster autonomy, participation, and dignity.
Key themes will include:
- Strengthening collaboration between persons with disabilities, families, and service providers;
- Adapting services to changing needs at major life stages, such as childhood, adulthood, and older age;
- Adapting services to changing needs at major life stages, such as childhood, adulthood, and older age;
ASAM’s Contribution and Perspective
Representing Türkiye’s civil society, ASAM will share its experience in developing inclusive, community-based mechanisms that empower families and individuals facing vulnerability—including refugees, persons with disabilities, and older persons.
Drawing from its ongoing programmes in Türkiye and cross-border initiatives, ASAM will present examples of interventions that combine psychosocial support, inclusive livelihoods, and family empowerment to strengthen self-determination and resilience.
Through its participation, ASAM aims to contribute to the broader European dialogue on disability inclusion, family support, and person-centered service models, in alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Advancing a Shared Vision for Inclusion
The EASPD Turin conference is expected to foster new partnerships and innovative approaches for more inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable support systems.
ASAM remains committed to this vision, continuously working to bridge humanitarian and social development practices and to ensure that individuals and families—regardless of background or ability—can lead self-determined and dignified lives.
