Type of Project: Funded project
Academic Network of European Disability experts (ANED)

The Academic Network of European Disability experts is a new pan-European academic network in the disability field. It is funded by the European Commission and builds upon the expertise of existing disability research centres and networks. It consults with disabled people's organisations and is supported by organizational partners, national experts, thematic rapporteurs and external advisors. The Network's collaborative infrastructure maximises participation and lesson learning across research and policy communities and thereby strengthens the European Research Area.

Its philosophy and aims focus on research that supports the objectives of European disability policy towards the goal of full participation and equal opportunities for all disabled people. Its structure prioritizes the leading role of disabled people in strategic and academic management.
The tasks of the Network are:
- co-ordination of critical disability research across EU/EFTA countries
- establishment of a collaborative online working environment
- analysis of existing data sources, collection of evidence and examples from different countries and production of thematic reports on the implementation of the European Action Plan and the mainstreaming of disability in EU policy
- monitoring international developments, including legislation and practice related to implementation of the UN Convention.