James Crowe

Jim was President of EASPD for 8 years, completing 2 terms of office in October 2024. As part of his responsibilities he represented EASPD on the European Commission Disability Platform. EASPD has over 130 direct members and a wider network of over 15,000 organisations across 34 European countries. It seeks high quality services for all children and adults with disabilities that are centred around the individual and promote their full participation and inclusion in society.

Jim was director of an umbrella body for the intellectual disability field in Wales, for 30 years. He established and ran independent advocacy services in institutions in Wales and led an information, training and consultancy service on working with people with intellectual disabilities.

In 2019 he undertook a consultancy project with the United Nations Development Programme to work in Northern Macedonia with government, social care agencies, managers and staff to prepare de-institutionalisation plans for two institutions.

Jim has served as an adviser to the Welsh Government on many advisory groups and committees. He is a former Chair of disciplinary panels for nurses and for social care staff.

Jim has been a volunteer with disabled young people, a school governor, a trustee of an adoption agency and a supported living support provider and a founder trustee of a children’s umbrella organisation and a supported employment agency.

Jim is a passionate advocate for the rights of disabled people so they secure greater control and voice over the key decisions in their life.