Ma Mercè Batlle, after nine years at the head of the Federation, will continue to contribute her experience and leadership from the vice presidency.
The Catalan Federation of Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Disability Entities ( FEPCCAT ) has approved the succession of its presidency within the framework of a planned process that aims to guarantee the institutional continuity of the organization and strengthen its capacity to face the present and future challenges of the sector.
After nine years at the head of the Federation , Ma Mercè Batlle leaves the presidency and assumes the vice presidency of the entity, from where she will continue to contribute her experience, knowledge and strategic vision to the service of the associative movement of cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities in Catalonia.
The presidency is now assumed by Elena Puigdevall , until now vice-president of FEPCCAT, in a transfer that reflects the maturity of an organization that, over the years, has been able to grow, generate alliances and consolidate its own voice in defense of people with great support needs and their families.
A leading organization in Catalonia
This appointment comes at a particularly significant time for FEPCCAT. Since its constitution, the Federation has evolved to become the leading organization representing people with cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities in Catalonia.
It currently brings together 16 entities distributed throughout the Catalan territory that work together to promote the quality of life, inclusion and equal opportunities of the people they serve.
FEPCCAT has consolidated itself as a space for cooperation, representation and generation of shared knowledge , promoting models of care focused on the person, quality of care, innovation and social transformation. At the same time, it has strengthened its capacity for dialogue with public administrations and the main social agents, contributing to placing the specific needs of people with cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities on the country's social and political agenda.
This trajectory has been possible thanks to the involvement of member organizations, their professional teams, families and volunteers, who have contributed to building a solid, recognized entity committed to improving the quality of life of the people it represents.
The legacy of Ma Mercè Batlle
Ma Mercè Batlle 's career is closely linked to the history of FEPCCAT. As the driving force behind its creation and president for the last nine years , she has been a key figure in the construction and projection of the Federation.
Under his leadership, FEPCCAT has experienced a period of institutional strengthening , expanding its presence in the main spaces of representation of the sector, promoting initiatives of high social value and reinforcing its role as a reference interlocutor with institutions and social agents.
The Board of Directors and member organizations would like to express their deep gratitude to Ma Mercè Batlle for her dedication, leadership and decisive contribution to the development and recognition of the Federation. Her ability to generate consensus, build alliances and maintain a constant defense of the rights of people with disabilities has been decisive in the evolution of the organization.
Her career goes far beyond the Federation itself. President of AREMI for three decades, president of the Catalan Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities of Catalonia ( COCARMI ), vice-president of the Council of Disability of Catalonia ( CODISCAT ), vice-president of the Board of Entities of the Third Social Sector of Catalonia and member of the board of directors of Confederación ASPACE , she is today one of the most respected and influential voices in the field of disability in Catalonia.
Recently, his career has been recognized with the Gran Persona de Lleida award , a distinction that highlights a lifetime dedicated to inclusion, defending the dignity and improving the quality of life of people with disabilities and their families.
Far from representing an end point, this new stage will allow us to continue to count on his experience and leadership from the vice presidency of the Federation, helping to guarantee a solid transition and strategic continuity of the project.
Elena Puigdevall assumes the presidency
The new president of FEPCCAT brings extensive experience in the health and social field. She is currently the general director of the Aspace Catalunya Foundation since 2021 and participates in different governing and representative bodies, including the Board of Directors and the Permanent Board of the Catalan Union of Hospitals, the Board of Trustees of the Unió Foundation and the Board of Directors of PIMEC.
Previously, she served as Deputy General Director from 2020 to 2021 and as Director of Health Services from 2017 to 2020 of the Aspace Catalunya Foundation. She has 10 years of experience in planning, contracting and evaluating public health services at the Catalan Health Service from 2007 to 2017. She was part of the management team of the Primary Care Area of Barcelona at the Catalan Health Institute from 2004-2007. She participated in various research and teaching studies from 2006 to 2016 at the Catalan Health Institute.
Until now, he has held the position of vice-president of the FEPCCAT, actively participating in promoting the Federation's main projects and strategic lines.
Degree in Psychology from Ramón Llull-Blanquerna University, Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from ESADE. With international stays at: HEC Executive Education University in Paris, ISB University in India, as well as Georgetown University in the USA. Master in Public Health from Pompeu Fabra University, Diploma in Nursing, Specialist in Mental Health Nursing, Master in Nursing Administration and Management from EUI Santa Madrona – U.Barcelona, and Master in Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health from U.Barcelona.
A new stage with an eye on the future
On the occasion of her appointment, Elena Puigdevall wanted to express her gratitude to Ma Mercè Batlle and her commitment to the future of the Federation:
"I assume this responsibility with enthusiasm, a sense of service and a deep admiration for the career of Ma Mercè Batlle. During these nine years she has led a key stage for the growth and projection of FEPCCAT, turning it into a recognized and respected organization throughout Catalonia. Receiving this testimony is an honor and a great responsibility that I assume with the commitment to continue working, alongside the entities that are part of the Federation and with the support of Ma Mercè herself, to face the present and future challenges of the sector."
The new president has also reaffirmed the desire to continue strengthening the Federation's representation and influence:
"We will continue working to ensure that the needs of people with cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities are present in all public policies that affect them. We will do this through dialogue, collaboration and the strength of the 16 entities that make up FEPCCAT, promoting the necessary transformations to build a more inclusive, accessible and equitable society."
More than a change of presidency, FEPCCAT begins a new stage based on continuity, renewal and the desire to continue being a reference voice at the service of people with cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities and their families.
