About Þroskahjálp

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Þroskahjálp – Iceland’s National Association of People with Intellectual Disabilities – works for the rights and interests of people with disabilities, with a specific focus on disabled children and young people and people with intellectual disabilities. It bases its policies on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other international human rights treaties. Around 20 groups are members of Þroskahjálp. These include parent and support groups and professional associations of specialists providing training and services for people with disabilities. These groups operate throughout Iceland and have approximately 6,000 members. Þroskahjálp is also a member of various European and international co-operation networks working for disabled rights across borders.

Fighting for rights

Ever since it was founded, Þroskahjálp has focused on human rights and matters concerning people with disabilities. It values consultation with people with disabilities, who play an important advisory role in Þroskahjálp’s work.  Everybody should enjoy the same rights and opportunities in a diverse society. The focus is on ensuring that people with disabilities enjoy the same rights as everybody else and receive the help they need to live an independent and rich life as full members of society. There is more information on these rights and the basis thereof in the section on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Þroskahjálp enjoys extensive and varied cooperation with the relevant state and municipal authorities regarding various rights and interests of people with disabilities and fights for their rights. It seeks to influence all government action, with the aim of ensuring that people with disabilities enjoy the same rights and facilities as their compatriots in all respects. This applies to everybody who is resident in Iceland, irrespective of origin, language proficiency, or type of residence permit.

Icelandic society still has some way to go to ensure that people with disabilities receive adequate services and support and real equality, as required by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Iceland ratified the Convention in 2016 and, in so doing, committed to respect and adhere to it in all aspects of society. This is why Þroskahjálp’s work is as important today as it was when the association was founded in 1976.

Do you need more information on Þroskahjálp’s work?

If you have any questions, please contact Þroskahjálp by e-mail: throskahjalp@throskahjalp.is. 

You can also make an appointment to speak to somebody, either over the phone or at Þroskahjálp’s office.
Telephone 5889390. A telephone interpreter may be available to assist.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.