Brussels, 31/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 25 May, the committee on employment and social affairs adopted the draft report by Adám Kósa (EPP, Hungary) on the mobility and integration of people with disabilities and the EU2020 strategy in favour of such persons. The result of far-reaching consultation with all parties concerned with this issue, including political groups and many NGOs, the report aims to introduce a “revolutionary approach” to disability, promote barrier-free accessibility, special communication techniques for the deaf and hard of hearing, and proposes a new pattern of inclusive education. The plenary vote is due in autumn 2011.
In addition to being committed to the issue of people with disabilities, the rapporteur is himself deaf and is assisted during the meetings by an interpreter using sign language. This commitment also represents a new approach which attempts not only to include the results achieved so far but also to incorporate new directions and potential perspectives with a view to achieving a sustainable, competitive and innovative Europe.
Human rights. In the explanatory statement, Kósa explains that, although no one would doubt that people with disabilities have human rights, the practical application of these rights is impeded by hindrances in a person's surroundings - both physical and social - mainly with regard to services and products that are not fully accessible. Some concepts are sometimes highlighted, such as the need to provide community services, the right to individual assistance (economic and social independence), as well as the recognition of the importance of sign language and the “design for all” principle to allow autonomy. The Kósa report also underlines the rights of children with disabilities and the rights of the parents (most of whom are not disabled), by supporting early development as the first investment in the future.
Employment. In line with the EU 2020 strategy, one of the most important objectives (if not the most important, the rapporteur stresses) is to increase the rate of employment of nearly 80 million people with disabilities living in the EU, by eliminating the barriers which discriminate against them as soon as possible. At present, within the EU, only a fraction of persons with disabilities work or can work and there is every likelihood that some of these will find themselves socially excluded. The employment level for people with disabilities and whose work capacity has changed is generally low throughout the EU, with 30-40% of them working. The situation is even worse in the poorer member states, given that the employment level needs to rise by approximately 1% per year if the 75% level set out in the EU 2020 strategy is to be met. Meanwhile, 12 million jobs suitable for low-qualified workers will disappear by 2020.
Education. The current systems of education and training do not generally prevent a high drop-out rate of people with disabilities. This leads to intensified social and employment disadvantages among disabled people, especially during the present economic crisis. That is why the rapporteur calls for emphasis to be placed on education that is open to all. He also underlines the fact that social corporate responsibility could also be an important impetus to the situation of people with disabilities.
Adopting a socially sustainable approach based on human rights. The Kósa report calls on member states and the Commission to swiftly ratify and implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and its optional protocols. (G.B./transl.jl)