This article explores the lived experiences of five nursing students who participated in the Erasmus+ programme, an initiative – funded by the European Union – which aims to support projects that enhance, modernise and innovate education and training in Europe. The project discussed here focused on meeting the needs of children and young people with complex intellectual and developmental disabilities. The students, from across Europe, were from a variety of disciplines, including nursing, education and social education.

This article explores the lived experiences of five nursing students who participated in the Erasmus+ programme, an initiative - funded by the European Union - which aims to support projects that enhance, modernise and innovate education and training in Europe. The project discussed here focused on meeting the needs of children and young people with complex intellectual and developmental disabilities. The students, from across Europe, were from a variety of disciplines, including nursing, education and social education.

The population of people with intellectual disabilities – this is the international term used to describe a learning disability – is increasing and ageing, and many require frequent access to healthcare services for assessment, treatment and care. The European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 identifies the need to reduce the barriers to healthcare for people with disabilities, to improve their quality of life and reduce preventable mortality. Part of this policy focuses on the education and preparation of future practitioners. The European Union (EU) Erasmus Plus programme is an opportunity to bring together educators and students, to share learning and develop an understanding of the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. This article gives an overview of the programme, policies and practices relating to care of people with intellectual disabilities in four EU member states – Scotland, England, Norway and Romania. It also identifies ways in which access to services for this population can be improved through education, workforce and services in an EU context.