Association for Research and Training on Integration in Europe

A.R.F.I.E. was set up in 1992 as a European network to improve the assistance, social integration and social services available to people with disabilities; mainly heavily dependent people with learning difficulties and people with associated psychiatric disorders.

In 1993, A.R.F.I.E. was recognised as a European non governmental association (NGO) and worked in co-operation with its partners in the `Education’ sector under the European Commission’s Helios II - programme. In March ‘97 A.R.F.I.E. became a full member of the newly formed independent European Disability Forum - a political platform of disability associations in Europe.

A.R.F.I.E. members run training, life skills and placement courses for disabled people wishing to find work. They also train the staff who work with them, on all issues relating to the daily lives and needs of their clients.

We have members in 12 of the 15 European Union member states who are, for the most part, not for profit associations of parents and friends of disabled people, cooperatives employing disabled people, training centres for staff and disabled people alike, research institutes and centres which are committed to the empowerment of people with severe and multiple disabilities.

We have an active and enthusiastic membership, and are open to members in all European countries. A.R.F.I.E. also serves as a platform for professionals to compare and develop best practice across different countries with regard to quality of life and equal opportunities of disabled people.

The social politics of disability has changed considerably in the 90’s, so that there is now much more consensus regarding issues such as: