European Deafblind Union - EDbU

17/09/2026

Meet the EDbU Executive Committee for 2026–2030!

Five people, one shared commitment: strengthening the voice, rights and inclusion of deafblind people across Europe.

Let’s build a more accessible future together!

VD :

Five members of the EDbU Executive Committee introduce themselves one after another in sign language. They are standing side by side on a sunny outdoor terrace. Behind them, one can see trees, greenery, wooden planters, a glass railing, and a light-colored stone building against a blue sky. The EDbU logo appears in the upper left corner. Each person’s name and title are displayed in white on a black background: Tamás Gangl, vice president; Til Apfel, board member; Clarisse Merlet, secretary; Aarne Pirkola, treasurer; and Thomas De Coninck, president.

27/06/2026

🌍 INTERNATIONAL DEAFBLINDNESS DAY – JUNE 27

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of deafblind people around the world.
On this International Deafblindness Day, members of the EDbU community share a common message of awareness, inclusion, and solidarity.
Together, let us continue to promote the rights, visibility, and full participation of deafblind people in all areas of society.

VISUAL DESCRIPTION

The video features four representatives of the European Deafblind Union (EDbU) delivering a shared message in sign language.
The video begins with Til, filmed in a close-up shot against a dark background. He has short, light blond hair, fair skin, and wears red-tinted glasses and a dark top.
The next sequence shows Thomas D'Hoore from Belgium, filmed in front of black curtains. He has short grey hair, fair skin, and wears a black T-shirt with the white EDbU logo.
Next, Aarne from Finland appears indoors against a light-coloured background. He has short light grey hair, fair skin, and wears dark clothing.
Finally, Tamas from Hungary appears in a close-up shot. He has short dark hair, fair skin, and wears a dark top.
Throughout the video, the speakers look directly at the camera and sign with expressive facial movements. English subtitles appear on screen throughout the video.

Transcription :

Thomas : Today is a special day: June 27 marks International Deafblindness Day.

The EDbU team would like to share a message with you: “Share your love, share your strength to achieve your goals.”

Happy International Deafblindness Day to everyone!

22/10/2024

On the European Day of Deafblind People, we celebrate our foundation, which has provided a home to the many member associations that make us who we are.

On this day, we want to remember the goal that was established long before our formation, when in 1999, different associations of deafblind people from the Nordic countries proposed uniting to share and strengthen our collective's struggle.

"The aim of the union is to develop cooperation between the associations of deafblind in all European countries, and at the same time to improve the quality of life for the deafblind."

It is gratifying to know that this purpose has become a fulfilled promise, with the EDbU being an international benchmark in the fight for the rights of deafblind people.

Thanks to all the associations and member entities of our solid union.
Today, we celebrate our deeper bond with this manifesto.

Today, we celebrate the European Deafblind Union, the EDbU.



Image description:
The image shows two people performing signs in sign language. Both are dressed in black, standing in front of a dark blue background with yellow accents in the upper right corner. On the right side of the image, the logo of the European Deafblind Union (EDbU) appears, consisting of yellow lines forming a stylized face and the initials of the organization.
On the left is Frank, president of the European Deafblind Union (EDbU) and FASOCIDE (Federation of Deafblind Associations of Spain), who is making the sign for "EDbU" in sign language. He is a man with short hair and a beard, dressed in a dark jacket and shirt.
On the right is Carmen, president of the Andalusian Association of Deafblind People (ASOCIDE ANDALUCÍA) is performing the sign "international". She is a woman with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, also dressed in a dark jacket.
At the top of the image, in yellow text, it reads: "October 22nd, European Day of Deafblind People."

08/03/2024

Happy International Women's Day! 🥰🤩

For this special date EDbU shares Third Manifesto of the European Disability Forum "Empowerment and Leadership": Women and girls with disabilities must be recognised as leaders and changemakers!
You can find the full text as a photo in the comments, but the whole text will be published on the official EDbU web page.

Also, EDbU team created this video of congratulations for this special Day to all women globally! The messages were sent by two powerful Bulgarian women who proactively make this world a better place every day. Thank you! The description of the video is at the end of this announcement.

Dear ladies, give smiles,
shed their wondrous light!
The smile keeps the fire in every house,
in an instant warms an ice wall!

In the smile is the female magic,
the medicine for the sick soul,
love nest with it, once you've made,
you will never be alone -
a woman blessed!

“I would rather walk with a friend in the dark,
than alone in the light.”
Helen Keller

Video description:
The video starts with EDbU logo on a blue background. After that Mrs. Velichka Draganova, positioned in the middle of the screen with a blue background, sends and inspirational message using speech. The content of the message is: "Happy holiday, dear ladies, let's be proud to be women! From a gentle girl, to a woman mother, a woman professional, a woman leader!” The following part shows Mrs. Katya Parapanova that uses sign language and sends the same message as Mrs. Draganova. After that there is a statement - in yellow letters on a blue background: "Happy International Women's Day!" Video finishes with EDbU logo.

29/08/2023

Join us on Instagram : EDbU's New Social Media Journey
https://instagram.com/edbu_org?utm_source=qr&igshid=NGExMmI2YTkyZg%3D%3D

27/06/2023

Happy International deafblind day!!!
Thanks to Frank, Velichka, Peter and Sanja to take time to congrats us!! They are part of our Executice Commitee.
Our right must always be respected!!!

10/06/2023

Congratulations to our colleagues from Belgium!!!

In the Netherlands the Dutch Deafblind Connexion started an unique collaboration with American John Butterflies and the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam!

With this project deafblind people are asked to make something themselves. Not just anything, the project is intended to show the world that deafblind people can also make a contribution. That they also have their own talents, which may be seen.

In october they are going to make art in the museum with art materials collected by John.

30/05/2023

Deafblind people stand up for our right and we are also committed to our obligations. The EDbU - The European Deafblind Union President was a vocal in last Spanish local and región election

29/05/2023

Part of the speech of the President of The EDbU - The European Deafblind Union on June 24th in the European Parliament

24/05/2023

It was an honor defend the right of deafblind people in the European Parliament