On 3 December, Europeans celebrated the "European Day for People with Disabilities". This event presented an occasion to remind citizens across the continent of the increasing importance of dismantling any barriers for people with disabilities in order to ensure that they can fully participate in society.
There is an increasing sense of urgency underlying this issue, given that disabilities are becoming more and more prevalent in Europe as a result of an ageing population. For instance, chronic diseases that often affect older people can sometimes lead to physical impairments. However, even if in good health, older people may still face barriers due a decrease in mobility that can limit their access to certain facilities or services.
On the European Day for People with Disabilities, a survey carried out by the European Commission confirmed the necessity to improve the participation in society of those who have disabilities. According to the survey, 97% of respondents stated that people with disabilities should have equal access to educational facilities, employment markets and other everyday activities, just like the rest of society. This sends a clear message to policy-makers that their goals are equally shared by the vast majority of citizens across the European Union.
Launched two years ago, the 10-year European Disability Strategy encompasses various initiatives that contribute towards these goals. Tackling this issue from many different angles, the EU aims to grant its 80 million citizens with a disability better access to the various aspects of European life. The European Commission is hence working towards a so-called “European Accessibility Act” that aims to tackle the issue of accessibility across borders, improving the conditions for disabled citizens in EU member states. This Act will hopefully help enhance the market for assistive products that can increase the mobility of disabled citizens, in addition to the already existing facilities such as those commonly seen in lifts and buses. The European Accessibility Act hopes to reduce barriers for those with disabilities to access services in the European market whilst providing new opportunities for businesses. The proposal for this initiative is expected to be finalised in 2013.
In addition to these efforts, there have been further EU initiatives to encourage member states to address the challenges that people with disabilities face. Such initiatives include, for instance, the Access City Award. The award is given to a European city that takes significant steps to improve accessibility to urban infrastructures, allowing people with disabilities to fully enjoy living in the city and to travel around more effortlessly. This award is also used to identify cities that can lead by example in the sense that other cities in the EU may draw inspiration from the initiatives taken. Furthermore, this award is a tool to raise awareness for the solutions to everyday challenges that disabled people face.
The Austrian city of Salzburg received this award last year, in recognition of the various measures taken to make the city accessible for citizens with disabilities. Salzburg was recognised for several features that were installed throughout the city. For instance, acoustic signals can be heard at crossings and important public buildings as part of its Tactical Orientation and Guidance System for the Blind and Partially Blind. Furthermore, playgrounds are equipped with facilities that accommodate for the needs of children with disabilities, addressing the needs of citizens with disabilities of various age groups.
In addition to the many initiatives taken to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities, the perception of the barriers that these citizens are confronted with has equally changed over the past years. As a recent Eurobarometer survey revealed, half of Europeans believe that discrimination against citizens with disabilities does not exist or is very rare. This indicates a change in the perception of disability-related discrimination, as a survey back in 2009 revealed that 53% of Europeans still considered this kind of discrimination to be widespread.
When it comes to possible negative repercussion of the economic crisis for those with disabilities, the above-mentioned survey showed that 53% of Europeans believe that the crisis drives up discrimination on the labour market against people with disabilities. Compared to the European average, the results in Malta are significantly more positive, with only 27% of respondents stating that this would be the case.
The European Disability Strategy is seen as a pathway towards improved accessibility for people with disabilities. This initiative provides an opportunity for member states and its citizens to work together towards one of the EU's fundamental principles - to provide equal opportunities for the benefit of all citizens.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP