European Disability Forum launches Freedom Guide
The European Disability Forum (EDF) recently launched the “Freedom Guide – Paving the way towards free movement for persons with disabilities”. Freedom of movement related to free movement of persons, as well as goods and services within the European Union. Back in 2011, EDF launched a campaign in this area which aimed to removing the main barriers of Freedom of Movement that persons with disabilities face daily.
The Freedom Guide provides “an overview of the implications of the rights recognised by the European Union Treaties linked to Free movement of persons, goods and services, for persons with disabilities. The Freedom Guide concretely aims to illustrate the fact that Freedom of movement is still not a reality for persons with disabilities. On the other hand, it also highlights that the internal market is still a place of exclusion due to the continued circulation of inaccessible goods and services. This must change, to ensure that all citizens can enjoy their human and civil rights. The UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) provides for an instrumental framework to establish a more inclusive society”.
The EDF are also calling for “Full accessibility” as they see this an essential step towards enabling Freedom of movement. There is a need for ensuring that transport, information and communication, the built environment and services are accessible, as otherwise people with disabilities will continue to face obstacles that make it difficult or impossible to take up a job, study or to simply go on holiday abroad.
The Freedom Guide is available free of charge from the European Disability Forum. For further information click here.
Alternatively, if you would like further information or need further assistance in relation to accessibility please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected].
