Update of EU disability strategy

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Update of EU disability strategy
Javier Güemes Improving the integration of
people with disabilities/ Sofia/ October 2006
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definition of disability

• General framework laid down in Employment
  Directive 2000, definition at Member State level
• no universal definition
• medical vs social approach
• definition varies according to purpose of law
• can change in time
• what about association with disability?

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article 13
Article 13 of the EC Treaty the Council
may take action to combat discrimination
based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion
or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation
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employment directive 2000

• scope employment, vocational training, working
  conditions, union membership
• four types of discriminations Direct, Indirect,
  Instructions to discriminate and harassment
• reasonable accommodation - Employers must take
  appropriate measures to adapt the workplace to
  the disability
• positive action allowed but not required
• burden of proof shared between parties

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regulation 1107/2006/EC on rights of disabled
persons traveling by air

• Cannot deny boarding on basis of disability
• Access to free of charge assistance provided by
  airports managing body
• Right not to be denied boarding or booking
  applicable from the summer of 2007
• Entire regulation - totally effective by summer
  2008 and directly applicable to European airports
  and airlines.

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structural funds

• Regulatory package was adopted in July 2006
• Represents one third of EU budget (336.1 bln
  euro)
• Disability-related provisions
• Non-discrimination
• Accessibility for persons with disabilities
• Partnership with civil society
• Specific measures for people with disabilities
  with European Social Fund

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disability action plan 2004 2010

• Operational objectives
• Full implementation of the Employment Directive
• Mainstreaming of disability issues
• Improving accessibility for all
• Priorities for the 3rd phase (2008-2009)
• Actions for inclusive participation through
  accessibility
• Fostering accessibility of the labour market
• Boosting accessibility of goods, services and
  infrastructures
• Consolidating the Commissions analytical
  capacity to support accessibility
• Actions towards full enjoyment of fundamental
  rights
• Facilitating the implementation of the UN
  Convention
• Complementing the Community legislative framework
  of protection againstdiscrimination

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european year of equal opportunities 2007

• Rights raising awareness of the right to
  equality and non-discrimination
• Representation stimulating a debate on
  inclusion of under-represented groups in society
• Recognition accommodating diversity
• Respect and tolerance promoting a more cohesive
  society
• http//europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/fundam
  ental_rights/index_en.htm

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other initiatives

• Communication on Social Services of General
  Interest
• A framework for quality and accessibility?
• 7th Framework Programme on Research and
  Development
• An opportunity to develop the knowledge on the
  field of disability
• Future Proposals for a on Passengers Rights
  maritine transport and bus transport
• Expanding the accessibility transport to all
  transport areas
• E-Inclusion communication
• The Commission will undertake an impact
  assessment to produce legislation on
  e-accessibility

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whats next?

• Commission work programme 2008 proposal to
  expand the non-discrimination legislation
• Consultation with stakeholders on future of
  European non-discrimination policy
• Commission is in an impact assessment process
• Comprehensive across-grounds legislation, OR
• Disability-specific directive??

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un convention on the rights of persons with
disabilities

• Scope comprehensive legislation, covers all
  fields, incl civil, political, economic, social
  and cultural rights, non-discrimination,
  children/women with disabilities, development
  cooperation
• Formal adoption December 2006 in New York
• European Communities has ratified the Convention
  so individual Member States (except Latvia) ?
  national/European legislation must be adopted
  provisions can be used against EU bodies

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http//www.edf-feph.org
European Disability Forum Rue du Commerce
39-41 1000 Brussels, Belgium T 32-2-282.46.00
F 32-2-282.46.09 E info_at_edf-feph.org