The Academic Network of Disability Experts (ANED) supports the European Commission and the EU Member States by providing independent scientific advice, analysis and information on EU and national disability policies and legislation, links of national policies with the EU level, as well as information about the situation of persons with disabilities.

The Academic Network of European Disability experts (ANED) was created by the European Commission in December 2007. The aim is to establish and maintain a pan-European academic network in the disability field that will support policy development in collaboration with the Commission's Disability Unit. Thematic priorities for ANED’s annual work programmes in fields as employment, education, health and social protection are discussed and agreed with the European Commission, to ensure relevance for the main priority issues for EU citizens with disabilities.