STEPS ‐ Structures Towards Emancipation, Participation and Solidarity: A European Project to Combat Discrimination against People with Learning Disabilities

People with learning disabilities are one of the most marginalised groups in European society, rarely recognised as full citizens with equal rights. The European action research programme STEPS focuses on structures, instruments and methods to combat discrimination against people with learning disabilities and aims at full participation and free access to material, cultural and social resources. Partnerships between providers, social welfare administrations, universities and groups of people with learning disabilities in five European countries are defining the project. From England, the Tizard Centre, Parkside NHS Trust, and Kensington and Chelsea Social Services are partner members in the network, and the overall project is financed by the EU community action programme to combat discrimination.