Newcomers with Disabilities in Sweden (NWDIS) is a disabled-refugee-led non-profit organization (ideell förening) dedicated to supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and new residents with disabilities in Sweden. It works to ensure a life free from inequality and discrimination by helping individuals navigate Swedish society. 

Its aim is to close the gap between newcomers with disabilities and Swedish society by providing knowledge, advocating for human rights, and increasing awareness of the conditions faced by refugees with disabilities. The target group newcomers with disabilities include migrants of all ages with disabilities (including norm-breaking functionality), including asylum seekers, refugees, persons with temporary residence permit, persons with permanent residence permits or persons with Swedish citizenship who are still not considered to have fully integrated into the Swedish society.

• • Community: Regular meetings to foster connection, practice Swedish, and reduce social isolation.
  • Guidance: Practical advice on navigating Swedish society, including information on disability rights and services.
  • Advocacy: Working to influence policy and educate society to improve the lives of refugees with disabilities.

The organization was established in November 2021 and is based in Stockholm, often working in cooperation with both national and international organizations.

Phone: +46 76 519 54 71
Email: hello@nwdis.se
Address: Svetsarvägen 15, 17141 Solna (Stockholm, Sweden)
Official website: https://nwdis.se
FaceBook: @newcomerswithdisabilitiesinsweden
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/nwdis.se?igsh=anVlZnZ3MnlnMDI1

Tukikeskus Hilma in Finland is a specialized center that promotes the rights, equality, and participation of immigrants with disabilities or chronic illnesses. It offers free guidance, peer support, and services in multiple languages to help navigate the Finnish service system. 

Key Services Provided by Hilma:

The Estonian Chamber of Disabled People (EPIKoda) is a prominent umbrella non-governmental organization founded in 1993, representing over 285 organizations across Estonia that support people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Its mission is to increase the quality of life, social inclusion, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities through advocacy, counseling, and cooperation with state partners. The Estonian Chamber of Disabled People (EPIKoda) also works with refugees and immigrants with disabilities by advocating for their rights, facilitating access to services, and promoting inclusion into Estonian society. As a leading umbrella organization, they provide expert advice on disability policies, offer support through their 15 county-level chambers, and work to ensure that information, support services, and legal aid are accessible to all residents, including newcomers.

Structure: The organization operates as a network, representing 16 regional (county-level) chambers of people with disabilities and 32 to 36 national, disability-specific unions and associations.

Mission & Goal: Its primary goal is to ensure equal rights, accessibility, and improved quality of life for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses in Estonia.

Contacts

Telephone: +372 661 6629 / +372 661 6628
Email: epikoda@epikoda.ee
Address: Toompuiestee 10, 10137 Tallinn, Estonia
Website: https://epikoda.ee

The Estonian Chamber of Disabled People (EPIKoda) is a prominent umbrella non-governmental organization founded in 1993, representing over 285 organizations across Estonia that support people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Its mission is to increase the quality of life, social inclusion, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities through advocacy, counseling, and cooperation with state partners. The Estonian Chamber of Disabled People (EPIKoda) also works with refugees and immigrants with disabilities by advocating for their rights, facilitating access to services, and promoting inclusion into Estonian society. As a leading umbrella organization, they provide expert advice on disability policies, offer support through their 15 county-level chambers, and work to ensure that information, support services, and legal aid are accessible to all residents, including newcomers.

Structure: The organization operates as a network, representing 16 regional (county-level) chambers of people with disabilities and 32 to 36 national, disability-specific unions and associations.

Mission & Goal: Its primary goal is to ensure equal rights, accessibility, and improved quality of life for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses in Estonia.

Contacts

Telephone: +372 661 6629 / +372 661 6628
Email: epikoda@epikoda.ee
Address: Toompuiestee 10, 10137 Tallinn, Estonia
Website: epikoda.ee

Þroskahjálp (The National Association of Intellectual Disabilities) is a leading Icelandic NGO that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism, and related impairments. Founded in 1976, it ensures that disabled people, including immigrants and refugees, receive equal rights and access to services based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

Mission: To champion the rights, interests, and empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

• Rights Advocacy: They focus on securing rights to employment, education, and social participation.
• Support & Consultation: The NGO works closely with individuals to ensure their voices are heard and they receive necessary support.
• Special Projects: They collaborate with organizations and schools on inclusive education, training, and accessibility initiatives.
• Member Groups: Approximately 20 member groups exist throughout Iceland, representing about 6,000 members, including families and professional associations.
• Focus on Inclusion: They focus on securing education for children and supporting adult education, pushing for “one school for all” and community-based services. 

Þroskahjálp serves as a crucial advocate for ensuring that disabled immigrants in Iceland have access to the same services as citizens, aiming to remove barriers to equality and social participation.

Contacts

Telephone: +354 588 9390
Email: throskahjalp@throskahjalp.is
Address: Háaleitisbraut 13, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: https://throskahjalp.is
Facebook: Þroskahjálp Facebook Page