Cross-sector partnerships for healthcare access of patients with intellectual disabilities

Equal Treatment improves access to secondary and tertiary healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities. Networks, hospitals and a multi-country advisory board co-developed policy recommendations, e-learning and in-person training. Pilot in four countries showed 70% professionals and 30% students improved skills. Funded by Erasmus+ (€250,000).

EPR is a European network of disability service providers with 30+ members in over 18 countries. In 2022 it launched the Equal Treatment project, uniting hospitals, universities, and services to improve healthcare for persons with intellectual disabilities through multilingual e-learning and participatory training. A pilot showed major gains in competencies and communication, and the training was validated in Lithuania’s national curricula.

Problems Targeted

Persons with intellectual disabilities often face fragmented healthcare, inadequate training for providers, and inaccessible communication.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Equal Treatment delivers coordinated, cross-sector action to close gaps in healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities by bringing together four European networks, hospitals, and a structured multi-country advisory board with persons with intellectual disabilities in active roles. The project partners jointly developed policy recommendations for healthcare institutions by co-designing improvements in communication, supported decision-making, and reasonable accommodation. In addition, it has implemented e-learning and in-person training for healthcare staff, health science students, and support professionals, including digital skills, inclusive communication, rights, and practical adjustments for complex cases. Collaboration across sectors ensures that solutions are adopted both in healthcare education and institutional practice. A pilot phase was carried out in 2024 in four partner countries – Finland, Greece, Lithuania, and Spain – with the participation of 82 healthcare professionals and 157 students in related fields. It was carried out in six languages: Finnish, Greek, Lithuanian, English, Spanish, and Catalan. Analysing the pre-defined set of indicators for healthcare professionals, 70 percent improved their competencies, and students’ communication skills were improved by 30 percent.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The Equal Treatment project received €250,000 in public funding from Erasmus+, a funding programme of the European Union. Throughout the project, partners have remained fully committed to disseminating results beyond the project duration and explore potential funding opportunities (e.g., Horizon Europe Health Cluster, EU4Health) for projects that build upon the outcomes of Equal Treatment. (#ZeroCall26)

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