EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Their core work

EASPD is a Brussels-based European umbrella association representing service providers for persons with disabilities across Europe. In H2020 projects, they contribute policy expertise, disability rights advocacy, and end-user perspective to health and digital innovation consortia. Their real-world value lies in bridging the gap between technology developers and the disability community — ensuring that digital health tools, electronic health records, and self-management platforms are genuinely person-centred and accessible. They bring a network of disability service providers who can validate, pilot, and disseminate integrated care solutions across diverse European care settings.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

EASPD's early H2020 work (2016–2019) combined patient-centred care technology with disability rights and human rights advocacy — two parallel tracks reflecting their dual identity as both a health-sector participant and a disability policy organisation. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward digital health infrastructure, EHR systems, and scalable integrated care, with Smart4Health representing their largest single investment. The trend shows a move from localised care tools and advocacy toward EU-wide digital health systems and implementation science.

EASPD is moving from advocacy-only roles toward active participation in large-scale digital health infrastructure projects, positioning themselves as the disability and accessibility voice in EU-wide e-health initiatives.

How they like to work

EASPD operates exclusively as a consortium participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is typical for an advocacy association that contributes policy expertise and end-user networks rather than leading technical research. With 56 unique partners across 15 countries, they work in large, diverse consortia and do not appear to repeat partners frequently, suggesting they are sought after by different project teams for their specific expertise. Their role is likely focused on dissemination, policy input, piloting with service providers, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion in project outcomes.

EASPD has collaborated with 56 unique partners across 15 countries, reflecting a broad European network built through large consortia in digital health and disability research. Their Brussels base and association mandate give them access to policy circles and service provider networks across the EU.

What sets them apart

EASPD occupies a rare niche: they are one of very few European-level disability service provider associations active in H2020 health and digital projects. Where most consortium partners bring technology or clinical research, EASPD brings the perspective of care providers and persons with disabilities — ensuring tools and platforms work in real service delivery contexts. For any consortium building a digital health or integrated care proposal, EASPD offers built-in access to a pan-European network of disability service organisations for validation, piloting, and policy dissemination.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Smart4Health
  Their largest project by far (EUR 345,250), focused on EU-wide citizen-centred EHR exchange — a major digital infrastructure initiative with EU-US cooperation dimensions.
• DARE
  A Marie Skłodowska-Curie training network on disability advocacy research — the only project in their portfolio focused purely on disability rights, law, and social change.
• SEURO
  Their most recent project (2021–2025), focused on scaling digital integrated health and social care across Europe — signals their current strategic direction.