Early intervention for children with developmental disabilities: manifesto of the Eurlyaid working party.

Abstract

Eurlyaid is a working party of the European Community (EC). It consists of experts and representatives of parents' associations from the various member states involved in early intervention for children who are disabled or at risk of developmental disabilities. Starting from the growing recognition of the importance of early identification and intervention Eurlyaid aims to contribute to the development of a common EC policy and legislation. Here we describe a comprehensive framework for early intervention, presented as a preliminary manifesto. First of all the Manifesto gives a definition of key concepts, delineates the target group and states the rationale behind, and the content, of early intervention. Secondly, we present the conditions and demands necessary to attain the best quality early intervention, and make a number of recommendations. With an EC grant, Eurlyaid is able to continue its activities as part of ALEFPA-Europe, a so-called non-governmental organization (NGO).