In the 21^st century, our country's policy in the area of disability entered

a new era, based on solidarity, fairness and autonomy. But though

there is a general consensus about the principles, much remains to

be done in terms of practices. At any given time, disability affects

ca. 10 % of the European population, and this percentage is much

higher over an entire lifetime. Given the impact of disability on the

lives of people and their families, it is an inescapable and multifaceted

dimension of all our lives.

Above all, providing good and appropriate care requires expertise. And

given the immense diversity of disability situations and the rapid

progress in technological, scientific and medical knowledge, this

expertise must be updated regularly through training supported by

international scientific research, with a strong emphasis on creativity

and innovation. It is high time to bring research and practice into

alignment. Creativity and innovation are the only possible responses

to such challenges.