It is with great pride that the HER-autism team announced the election of Angeliki Baltatzi to the Board of Directors (Council of Administration) of Autism-Europe in Brussels, the leading international organization dedicated to supporting the rights of the autistic community.

Angeliki Baltatzi’s election to the Autism-Europe Board of Directors marks a new dynamic of participation in European disability policy-making centers grounded in the United Nations Convention (the “Constitution” of people with disabilities worldwide, approximately one-sixth of the global population), and reflects the selflessness, consistency, and fighting spirit of the Heraklion-based activist. It underscores that every citizen has a “voice,” which, when articulated with clarity, knowledge, daily experience, and (mutual) empathy, is not merely heard; it is listened to.

In an international non-governmental organization, the election of the Greek founder of the HER-autism volunteer initiative constitutes tangible global recognition of her capabilities and a substantial expansion of representation for members of civil society, people with autism, and their communities. At the same time, it confirms that even a volunteer, a local resident, and a citizen from Southern Europe has power and international influence.

A. Baltatzis’s nomination was supported primarily by officials from Autism-Europe, in recognition of her stance and activism as the mother of a non-verbal autistic girl, her practical contribution as a member of Autism-Europe, as well as her academic background, which highlights the socio-political dimension of disability.

The Autism-Europe Annual General Meeting was held in person in Budapest on May 9 (vote on new members of the Council of Administration) and May 10 (CA) 2026, with a hybrid option for members to attend and vote.