Through the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, adopted in November 2010, the European Commission is seeking to improve the living standards of disabled people, recognising the fact that disability issues are a European and national priority
The strategy has 8 main areas of action which focus on accessibility, participation, equality, employment, education and training, social protection, health and external action. The strategy includes a list of concrete actions that range from the mutual recognition of national disability cards to the promotion of inclusive education and lifelong learning for pupils and students with disabilities.
EU member states are carrying out discussions to ensure greater synergy between the Disability Strategy for 2020 and the Europe 2020 Strategy, the EU’s strategy for jobs and growth. At the last Council meeting, Ministers of Employment and Social Policy of the 27 member states adopted conclusions on the areas outlined in the strategy. The Council wants to promote the ratification and application of the United Nations Convention on Disability as well as to adapt EU and national legislation where necessary when implementing the Convention.
Accessibility for disabled people is a key concern. The ministers agreed on the need to improve accessibility to goods and services especially with regards to the built environment, transport, information and communication using even technologies that are increasingly being roped in to aid disabled people. The participation of disabled people in society is also of concern and in fact the EU member states agreed on the need to promote the independence of people with disabilities and their inclusion in the community. This can be achieved by developing a range of in-home, residential or other community support services responsive to their needs and in accordance with the opportunity to choose on an equal basis with others.
Social protection and adequate access to health can sometimes be a challenge for disabled people and therefore strong support for early screening and prevention of disabilities as well as providing disability awareness training to health professionals is key. The EU 27 representatives also recognised the need to closely consult with and actively involve people with disabilities, including through their representative organisations, in the development and implementation of legislation and policies, when implementing the United Nations Convention on Disability.
Recently Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi inaugurated the Sonia Tanti Independent Living Centre at Ħal Far. This Centre, which was partially financed through the European Regional Development Fund, is aimed at enabling disabled people to live a more independent life whilst having access to specifically designed wheelchairs as well as having access to an adaptive driving assessment area. Such projects help the disabled people that can integrate themselves into the labour market to carry out such an important step. This further inclusion in the labour market is a key element of the Europe 2020 strategy.
The 27 member states have committed themselves to pay attention to the needs of people with disabilities by mainstreaming a disability perspective in the context of all actions that implement the Europe 2020 strategy. There are several ideas and projects being discussed and implemented across the EU 27 and even locally. These include the promotion of exchanges of good practices at the European, national, regional and local level; as well as a proposal for including the possibility of strengthening the High Level Group on Disability, which was set up to monitor the latest policies and priorities of governments concerning people with disabilities, and to pool information and expertise.
Mr De Martino is Executive (EU Policy and Legislation) within Meusac