Background
The CNH is the major event of public policies on disability in France. It brings together people with disabilities and their organisations, associations, social partners, local and regional authorities and state administrations. It is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by France in 2010, and the principle of "Nothing about us without us".
Why it's important
The commitments made in the CNH structure inter-ministerial action for several years: inclusive school, employment, health, accessibility, housing, mobility and citizen participation. For people with disabilities and their families, including newly arrived ones, it is a key benchmark for developing rights and services. The departmental focal point also addresses accessibility issues as close as possible to the territory.
What Changes
Six conferences have already been held in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2023. The 7th is scheduled for September 4, 2026. In the Rhône, Anne Laybourne was designated as a reference disability and inclusion, a mission formalized by a circular of January 2023.
Useful details
- Page updated on September 3, 2026 and published by the Rhône Prefecture.
- All past conferences: 10 June 2008 (1), 8 June 2011 (2nd), 11 December 2014 (3rd), 19 May 2016 (4th), 11 February 2020 (5th), 26 April 2023 (6th); 4 September 2026: 7th CNH.
- The successive conferences allowed for advances: inclusive school, workers' rights in ESAT, deconjugalisation of the allowance for adults with disabilities (AAH), transformation of the medical-social offer, enhancement of accessibility, alternative and improved communication, progress of political rights.
- Anne Laybourne, a sub-prefect in charge of city policy, is a reference for disability and inclusion for the Rhône; she ensures the physical and digital accessibility of services to the public and the participation of the people concerned in citizen life.
- The CNH was established by the Act of 11 February 2005 on equal rights and opportunities, participation and citizenship of persons with disabilities.
- The NHRC approach is based on the "Nothing About Us Without Us" principle: persons with disabilities are involved in the preparation, holding and follow-up of the Conference.
Terms to know
- Conférence nationale du handicap (CNH)
- Three-year meeting chaired by the President of the Republic, who sets out the guidelines for disability policy in France.
- AAH
- Allowance for adults with disabilities; its amount is no longer dependent on the spouse's income ("deconjugation").
- ESAT
- Establishment and support service through work: specialised employment structure for persons with disabilities.
- CIH
- Interdepartmental Disability Committee, which implements and monitors commitments made in the NHRC.
- CDPH
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by France in 2010.