The 2003 Strasbourg Freedom Drive was the first time a group of disabled people came together and marched to the European Parliament. On the morning of the march, ULOBA distributed T-shirts and this gave a united feeling, with participants realizing we were all one and together could be powerful. The march and the meeting in the Parliament were a great success. There was a very exciting buzz when meeting the Members of the European Parliament in the Parliament itself. There was power in witnessing our own people on the plinth talking. Interpretation into many languages gave the opportunity for many people to be involved and questions came fast and furiously from all corners of the room. The President did not allow Members of the European Parliament to filibuster and gave the In-dependent Living members space to talk and say what they wanted to say. The session lasted for two hours. Confidence began to grow and we began to feel the power within the movement grow. Many Members of the European Parliament were present at this meeting and some joined in the evening barbecue, a big celebration following the meeting at the Youth Centre. This barbecue set an important precedent of celebrating every Strasbourg Freedom Drive with a dinner. ULOBA sponsored the barbecue the first year and every year until 2011 when the City of Strasbourg sponsored the dinner. Many people attended with songs being sung into the early hours of the morning. A commitment and promise was made that evening – that ENIL would be back every two years and would continue to do so until the situation for disabled people improved all over Europe. We have been back with growing numbers and a stronger movement ever since. *