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European disability Forum 3rd EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Top Campaign about Freedom of Movement : we want free movement for all
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ARAB & EUROPEAN WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES JOIN FORCES TO CLAIM FOR THEIR RIGHTS
On 27-28 April 2013, the European Disability Forum and the Arab Organisation of Persons with Disabilities gathered in Cairo, more than 120 female leaders with disabilities at the Arab regional conference entitled: "Women with Disabilities between Rights and Norms”.

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WEB ACCESSIBILITY: EDF EXPRESSES THE VIEW OF 80 MILLION PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AT THE MEETING OF THE EP COMMITTEE OF THE INTERNAL MARKET
On 25 April 2013, the European disability movement was invited to participate in the meeting of the European Parliament Committee of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. As it’s exceptional for Committees to invite or accept external actors in their meetings, EDF embraced this invitation as a good opportunity to bring the perspective of 80 million persons with disabilities on the accessibility of public websites in the European Parliament in Brussels.

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EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE TAKES AN IMPORTANT DECISION FOR EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES
On Thursday 11 April 2013, the European Court of Justice took an important judgment in Joined Cases C-335/11 and C-337/11 Ring and Skouboe Werge. EDF welcomes the European Court’s judgment considering it as a very important one for the rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace.

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WEB ACCESSIBILITY DIRECTIVE: THIS IS WHAT THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT EXPECTS
Brussels, 11 March 2013 /// On 3 December 2012, the European Commission released a legislative proposal on the accessibility of public websites addressing public sector bodies’ websites, such as those of municipality services, those for income taxes declaration, job search services, education, health related services, etc. Having analysed and scrutinised the proposal, EDF presents its view on the proposal and its proposal for changes to make web accessibility a reality for 80 million of European citizens with disabilities.

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EDF CALLS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN & GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES
Brussels, 8 March 2013 /// The International Women’s Day 2013 finds Europe at a stage where significant efforts have been made in terms of gender equality and empowerment of women in society. However, discrimination against women still exists and Europe often fails to protect the rights of its female citizens. Women with disabilities, in particular, have to deal with a double challenge: the discrimination they often face for their gender, and the discrimination they face due to their disability. On today’s occasion, EDF calls the EU to take measures to promote gender equality and to empower the active participation of women with disabilities in society.

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UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: IT’S TIME FOR IRELAND!
Dublin, 24 February 2013 /// The European Disability Forum (EDF) and the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) call on the Irish Government to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the implementation plan for the National Disability Strategy without any further delay.

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WEB ACCESSIBILITY IN THE HEART OF THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT’S MEETING IN IRELAND
20 February 2013 /// In the framework of EDF’s Board meeting taking place in Dublin, Ireland, on 23-24 February, EDF and Disability Federation Ireland (DFI) in cooperation with the National Disability Authority of Ireland, organise a seminar entitled: ‘Accessibility of Public Websites – legislative and practical perspectives’.

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EUROPEAN ACCESSIBILITY ACT: THIS IS WHAT THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT EXPECTS!
13 February 2013 /// In the framework of the EDF Top Campaign on the theme of “Freedom of Movement”, one of our objectives has been to promote the adoption of an ambitious and legally binding European Accessibility Act. In these terms, EDF welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to issue an Act and presents the views of the disability movement on this upcoming European Accessibility Act.

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LAST UPDATE! THE PARISIAN COURT OF APPEAL CONFIRMS EASY JET’S CONDAMNATION FOR THE DISCRIMINATION OF THE 3 DISABLED PASSENGERS
6 February 2013 /// On 5 February 2013, the Court of Appeal of Paris confirmed the condemnation of the British low-cost airline Easy Jet for the discrimination of 3 disabled passengers in 2008 and 2009. The French organisation representing persons with disabilities, ‘Association des Paralysés de France (APF)' and EDF welcome this decision as a very important outcome to raise awareness of such incidents, as well as of the need to ensure full implementation of the EU regulations.

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TOWARDS BETTER ACCESSIBILITY OF TRANSPORT SERVICES
Brussels, January 2013 /// EDF joins forces with AGE Platform Europe, Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and European Passengers’ Federation (EPF) in order to express their common views on the upcoming European Accessibility Act.

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ROMA, LGBT AND DISABILITY ORGANISATIONS STAND TOGETHER ON INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
27 January 2012 /// On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the European Roma and Travellers Forum (ERTF), European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC), Roma Virtual Network (RVN), the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA – Europe) and the European Disability Forum (EDF) call on national governments and inter-governmental organisations to ensure the safety of all minorities who are targets for Europe’s extremists.

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SMART ACCESSIBILITY AWARDS: DEVELOPER WHO DESIGNED APP TO HELP FIVE-YEAR-OLD AUTISTIC SON COMMUNICATE WINS €50,000 AWARD
18 December /// Spanish app developer Juan Carlos Gonzalez Montesino last night won the ‘Wellbeing’ category in the Vodafone Foundation’s Smart Accessibility Awards for an app he created to help his five-year-old autistic son Darío communicate. Ablah, an app Montesino co-developed with Manuel Linares, is based on the exchange of images, sounds and text via touch screen devices.

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3rd EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: A HISTORIC EVENT AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
5 December 2012 /// On the 5th of December, more than 450 delegates from organisations representing persons with disabilities (DPOs) from all over Europe met with European Parliament leaders, MEPs and EU decision-makers in order to discuss how Europe can ensure the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in this time of crisis.

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EDF & MICROSOFT TEAM UP TO ENHANCE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE WEB FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Access conditions for persons with disabilities to websites and the digital environment need to be further improved while securing a sustainable business environment for the ICT industry. On 6th December, the European Disability Forum (EDF) and Microsoft join forces to gather key actors to plan the way forward towards a more inclusive web and IT goods and services.

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COMMISSION TAKES A STEP TOWARDS WEB ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
3 December 2012 /// Today the European Commission released a legislative proposal on the accessibility of public websites. Once adopted by the European Parliament and by the Council, it will allow, by 2015, Europeans with disabilities to have equal access to information on websites and benefit from services provided online.

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EDF CALLS FOR AN END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST OLDER WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES
27 November 2012 /// In the framework of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, during the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations, the European Disability Forum (EDF) joins the struggle against all forms of violence, to which thousands of women in the European Union and worldwide fall victim. To this end, during its Board meeting in Cyprus on 17-18 November, EDF adopted a resolution calling for an end to violence against older women with disabilities and for appropriate measures to eliminate such violence.

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THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT CALLS FOR SOCIAL INVESTMENTS TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES FROM THE CRISIS
Cyprus, 18 November 2012 /// On 17-18 November 2012, the European disability movement gathered at Ayia Napa, Cyprus, for EDF’s Board meeting thanks to the support of Cyprus EU Presidency. Representatives of its member organisations all around Europe, as well as representatives of the Cyprus Republic and the European Parliament discussed the steps to be taken towards a more inclusive and accessible Europe. During the meeting, EDF adopted a Statement on the crisis in view of the upcoming European Council on 22-23 November 2012.

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THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT PUSHES TOWARDS A SEAMLESS TRAVEL CHAIN FOR ALL TRANSPORT USERS
24 October 2012 /// On 23 October 2012, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution in reaction to the Communication of the European Commission on passenger rights in all transport modes. EDF welcomed the initial Communication and supported the Commission’s vision of coherent legislations on passenger rights across modes, based on an intermodal approach. EDF is now pleased to see that the Resolution shows the commitment of the European Parliament to remove the lack of harmonized rules between transport modes, which still prevents persons with disabilities from benefitting from the freedom of movement within the EU.

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CER & EDF JOIN FORCES TO ENHANCE ACCESSIBILITY OF RAIL FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
9 October 2012 /// Access conditions for persons with reduced mobility to transport as a whole need to be further improved while securing a sustainable business environment for the rail sector. This was the main message of a conference organised today by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), and co-moderated by the European Disability Forum (EDF), on the accessibility of rail transport for disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility. CER and EDF called upon stakeholders to strengthen their cooperation focusing all means and resources to help reaching the objectives.

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THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT CALLS ON THE COMMISSION’S DIRECTORS GENERAL TO MAINSTREAM THE CRPD IN ALL EU POLICIES
4 October 2012 /// Disability is a cross-cutting issue, which should be mainstreamed in all EU policies. In these terms, EDF met today the Secretary General of the European Commission, Mrs Catherine Day, and the Directors General of the European Commission.

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EUROPEAN CITIZEN'S INITIATIVE 1 000 000 SIGNATURES: 5 YEARS LATER
4 October 2012 /// In October 2007, 5 years ago, the disability movement gathered the impressive 1 364 984 signatures calling for comprehensive protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the European law. The interest generated by the campaign demonstrated the strong support of the wider European population for elimination of the barriers faced by people with disabilities in their daily lives.

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UPDATE! INNOVATION & RESEARCH: EDF BRINGS DISABILITY IN THE HORIZON (2020)
20 September 2012 /// Running from 2014 to 2020 with an 80 Euro billion budget, the legislative proposal Horizon 2020 for research and innovation is expected to create new growth and jobs in Europe. Horizon 2020 will decide the orientation of European research and allocation of funding for the next 7 years of the decade. Read latest EDF position and proposals for amendments on Horizon 2020.

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UN CONFERENCE OF STATE PARTIES: EDF REPORTS FROM NEW YORK
14 September 2012 /// In the week of 7-14 September, disability clocks are beating on New York time. The Fifth Session of the Conference of State Parties to the CRPD (the so called COSP) is taking place at the UN Headquarters gathering the attention of the disability movement worldwide. Over the Conference of State Parties, there are a lot of important meetings and side events, on which EDF reports every day from the UN Headquarters.

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RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
12 September 2012 /// The fifth session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP5) is taking place from 12 to 14 September 2012 at the UN Headquarters gathering the attention of the disability movement worldwide. During the Conference, 9 of the 18 positions in the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have just been renewed through an election.

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INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY ALLIANCE: TOWARDS A STRONGER DISABILITY MOVEMENT WORLDWIDE
10 September 2012 /// The International Disability Alliance (IDA) is the voice of 1 billion persons with disabilities in the world. EDF is a member of IDA as the regional organization representing people with disabilities from Europe. The IDA governing body has met on the 8, 9 and 10 of September in New York, ahead the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD.

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HISTORICAL JUDGMENT OF THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AGAINST CROATIA: IS IT CHANGING THE LIFE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES?
30 August 2012 /// On 24 July 2012, the European Court of Human Rights has for the first time in its history decided that the State’s failure to protect a person with a disability and his mother against long-term harassment violates their human rights. Since the judgment has a significant legal impact in all countries of the Council of Europe, persons with disabilities should use it to ask their government for protection against violence and harassment based on their disability.

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NOTHING ABOUT 1 BILLION PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WITHOUT THE INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY ALLIANCE
2 July 2012 /// The International Disability Alliance (IDA) is the voice of 1 billion persons with disabilities in the world: IDA represents global and regional disabled people organizations worldwide. On the 1st of July 2012, the EDF President has become Chair of IDA, a position which he will have for the next two years; he will succeed Ms Diane Richler, former President of Inclusion International.

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CHALLENGES IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES
29 June 2012 /// The Spanish Disability Movement is organising the first international conference in Europe focusing specifically on women with disabilities since the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006. The inclusion of women and girls with disabilities is a key issue for the European Disability Forum (EDF).

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UNLOCKING EUROPE’S POTENTIAL THROUGH ACCESSIBILITY
21 June 2012 /// More than 70 parliamentarians, policy experts and representatives of disabled people’s organisations will gather today at the European Parliament for a high-level debate on how to unlock Europe’s potential through accessibility, under the lead of Dr Ádám Kósa MEP, the Essl Foundation and the World Future Council, and in collaboration with the European Disability Forum.

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PASSENGER RIGHTS: EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S GUIDELINES TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
14 June 2012 /// The European Commission has launched Interpretative Guidelines whose objective is to ensure the correct implementation of the Regulation protecting the rights of persons with disabilities when travelling by plane (Regulation 1107/2006). The European disability movement welcomes this necessary interpretation that is needed to improve the journey for 80 million persons with disabilities.

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HOW MUCH LONGER BEFORE A WEB-ACCESSIBILITY INTERNAL MARKET?
7 June 2012 /// Under the Digital Agenda for Europe, the European Commission has committed to make a proposal to ensure that public sector websites are fully accessible by 2015 to persons with disabilities. EDF wants the realisation of this action: we contribute to it with the release of the EDF Report: A Compilation of Resources on the Web-Accessibility Internal Market.

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NEW TEN-T GUIDELINES COALITION: IMPORTANT PROVISIONS FOR TRANSPORT ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL USERS UNDER THREAT IN COUNCIL DISCUSSION
4 June 2012 /// Representing a wide coalition of European organisations acting on behalf of the transport industry and the transport passengers, we call upon the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to uphold article 43 of the Commission’s proposal for the development of the trans-European transport network.

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TOGETHER FOR INCLUSION: THE EUROPEAN LOTTERIES AND THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT LAUNCH JOINT WEBSITE ON BEST PRACTICES
30 May 2012 /// The European Lotteries and the European Disability Forum announce the launch of their website on best practices on how national lotteries throughout Europe can contribute to improve the lives of 80 million European citizens with disabilities.

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VODAFONE FOUNDATION DRIVE TO MAKE MOBILE INTERNET OPEN TO ALL
30 May 2012 /// The Vodafone Foundation has today launched the Smart Accessibility Awards, 2012. The competition calls for developers across Europe to design smartphone applications which take into consideration the needs of older people and people with disabilities.

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EDF GENERAL ASSEMBLY: THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT WANTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GROWTH STRATEGY
27 May 2012 /// The 15th annual general assembly of the EDF brought the whole disability movement in Copenhagen. Among all the crucial topics, the 170 participants focused on how to make sure that the EU will deliver results on the disability strategy 2010-2020. The disability movement adopted a strong resolution on the way out of the crisis: five weeks before the EU summit focusing on growth.

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UN CONVENTION ON TOP OF THE AGENDA: HOW INDEPENDENT IS THE MECHANISM?
23 May 2012/// The COHOM gathered on 16 May to explore the best way to set up the independent mechanism of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. EDF presented its proposals to respect the essence of the Treaty and make sure persons with disabilities are included.

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INFORMAL SUMMIT ON GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT: EDF'S LETTER TO PRESIDENT VAN ROMPUY
22 May 2012 /// We welcome the call for an informal EU summit on growth and employment. EDF believes that the leaders of Europe should discuss the social impact of the crisis and its consequences on fundamental rights. Therefore, we wrote a letter to President Van Rompuy to make sure he understands a European strategy without human rights will be always limited in its effect.

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COHESION POLICY FOR ALL: COMMISSIONER HAHN COMMITS WITH THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
16 May 2012 /// It is crucial that EU money is invested on improving the lives of all European citizens, including people with disabilities. EDF wants to make sure that accessibility, non-discrimination and social inclusion, as well as the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) are key goals of the EU Structural Funds. Yesterday EDF President, Yannis Vardakastanis, met the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, in order to discuss the future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020.

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STRUCTURAL FUNDS: THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SENDS A STRONG MESSAGE ON DISABILITY TO THE MEMBERS STATES
9 May 2012 /// Preventing and eliminating barriers to accessibility for persons with disabilities should be a condition to fulfil in order to receive European money. EDF and MEP Danuta Hubner have organised a workshop to ensure the European Parliament will promote disability provisions in the next cohesion package 2014 2020. Which MEPs support disability? Why is it crucial?

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COMMISSIONER FÜLE’S VISIT: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WANT ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT TO RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS
3 May 2012 /// The Commissioner for Enlargement Štefan Füle visited Albania to discuss reform efforts and progress in the EU agenda with his Albanian counterparts. On this occasion, Albanian citizens with disabilities organised a protest to make sure the EU Commissioner understands why the Albanian governments doesn’t respect yet important conditions for the country´s accession to the European Union.

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ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE TO SUPPORT DISABILITY IN THE STRUCTURAL FUNDS
26 April 2012 /// On 25th of April the EESC has overwhelmingly supported the opinion on the Common Provisions for the Structural Funds Regulations (the Cohesion Package 2014 2020). As rapporteur on the opinion, Mr Yannis Vardakastanis firmly reminded that conditionalities on disability and anti-discrimination have to be respected by Members States if they want to access the EU money.

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STRUCTURAL FUNDS: THE DANISH PRESIDENCY AND MEMBERS STATES ARE THREATENING THE TREATIES?
24 April 2012 /// Important provisions for social cohesion, economic growth employment and poverty reduction are under threat in Council discussions. This is about the Structural Funds legislative package for 2014-2020. EDF, and its partners, including the most important NGOs in the civil society have sent a joint statement to the decision makers.

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CYPRUS PRESIDENCY: “WE WANT TO INVOLVE ORGANISATIONS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES”
20 April 2012 /// Under the auspices of the upcoming Cyprus EU Presidency, starting in July, EDF together with the Cyprus Confederation of Organisations of the Disabled met the Cyprus Minister of Labour & Social Insurance in order to discuss the priorities of the disability movement.

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7TH SESSION OF THE CRPD COMMITTEE, GENEVA
18 April 2012 /// The 7th session of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee) is held in Geneva until 20 April. It reviews the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 4 countries.

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WHY IS ‘THE UNDATEABLES’ UNWATCHEABLE?
4 April 2012 /// The UK Disabled People’s Council and the European Disability Forum explain why the TV series ‘The Undateables’ on UK Channel 4 is inappropriate. “Such an unworthy show is not improving the portrayal of 80 million European citizens with disabilities in the European media: ‘The Undateables’ is unwatcheable: Channel 4 is just wrong and poses a threat to the rights protected under the UN Convention,” stressed EDF President Yannis Vardakastanis.

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AIR PASSENGER RIGHTS: BETTER NO GUIDELINES THAN BADLY WRITTEN GUDELINES
21 March 2012 /// Passengers with disabilities have benefited from a positive EU legislation since 2006. EDF wants to make sure this Regulation is implemented correctly. Therefore whe have just sent a letter to Vice President and Commissioner Kallas.

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CRPD COMMITTEE: EDF SENDS ITS INTERPRETATION ON ACCESSIBILITY PROVISION IN THE UN CONVENTION
21 March 2012 /// EDF focuses on accessibility and responds to the CRPD Committee’s call on the implementation of Article 9 on Accessibility. Know more on our position.

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A LANDMARK MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY MOVEMENT IN ATHENS
13 March 2012 /// From 8 to 12 March, the International Disability Alliance (IDA) held its Governing Body in Athens, Greece. During this meeting, IDA discussed about its advocacy activities, the capacity building strategies and the legal incorporation of the alliance. The discussions among all members made significant progress in all these areas in order to consolidate the international disability movement.

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CONSULTATION: 80 MILLION EUROPEANS WITH DISABILITIES CALL FOR FOR A STRONG EUROPEAN ACCESSIBILITY LEGISLATION
13 March 2012 /// During the past 3 months, the European Commission ran a public consultation “with a view to a European Accessibility Act”. It is important for the disability movement to express the vision of all persons with disabilities on such an important legislation. A wide consultation has been set up within EDF membership and the final details of our answer have been discussed by the leaders of the disability movement. Read what is the scope we want for such an important Act.

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HOW WILL EUROPE SPEND ITS MONEY IN THE NEXT 7 YEARS? EDF DISCUSSES THE MFF IN THE PARLIAMENT
7 March 2012 /// How will Europe spend the money in the next 7 years? The Disability Intergroup co-hosts a seminar on the Rights and Citizenship Programme recently proposed by the European Commission.This is the ‘equality chapter’ of the European Union’s 7-year budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework. Earlier in February, a network of 12 major NGOs including EDF presented its joint amendments together.

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DANISH PRESIDENCY CONFERENCE ON ACCESSIBILITY
5 March 2012 /// EDF President Yannis Vardakastanis opened the conference of the Danish Presidency in Copenhaguen. The Denmark government and the European Commission have chosen to focus and accessiblity and inclusion. Karen Haekkerup, Danish Minister for Social Affairs and HRG Crown ¨Princess Mary of Denmark reminded their commitment to inclusion in their country.

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ACCESSIBILITY ACT: A BINDING LEGISLATION IS THE ONLY EFFECTIVE OPTION
4 March 2012 /// The leaders of the European Disability Forum gathered on the 3rd and 4th of March in the capital of Denmark for their board Presidency Conference on Accessibility and Inclusion where the disability movement will present how the EU has to improve accessibility for 80 million citizens with disabilities.

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INSTITUTIONS: CZECH REPUBLIC MUST STOP CAGING HUMAN BEINGS
22 February 2012 /// Prague, Czech Republic European Network of (ex)users and Survivors of Psychiatry. The caging of human beings is a gross violation of international human rights law. Yet it continues to be acceptable ‘treatment‘ for psychiatric patients in the Czech Republic. The European Network of (Ex-) Users and Survivors of Psychiatry (ENUSP) has learned of the recent suicide of a woman in a caged bed at Dobrany psychiatric clinic near Plzen. EDF writes to the Minister of Health of the Czech Republic and calls for immediate action.

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FREE MOVEMENT: EU LAUNCHES EDF FREEDOM GUIDE
14 February 2012 /// We have asked the disability movement, experts from NGOs, from the industry and academics about the barriers, and about their vision of accessibility. They talk about freedom.

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LEGAL CAPACITY AT THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS: WE WANT THE UN CONVENTION TO BE THE NEW STANDARD
14 February 2012 /// Earlier this week, EDF joined forces with the International Disability Alliance, World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry and European Network of (ex-)Users and Survivors of Psychiatry. We want the UN Convention to be the new standard whereby deprivation of legal capacity whereby deprivation of persons of legal capacity.

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EUROPEAN STANDARDISATION: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WANT TO BE PART OF IT TOO!
20 January 2012 /// Certain European standards on household appliances contain an exclusion clause. This clearly points out that, while creating this standard, the safety standard envisaged does not apply in situations where children and people with disabilities use the aforementioned appliances without supervision. EDF considers this to be discrimination on the basis of disability. That is why the current revision of the European standardisation system offers an opportunity to avoid such a situation in the future.

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LAUNCH OF EUROPEAN YEAR FOR ACTIVE AGEING 2012
16 January 2012 /// On the eve of the launch of the European Year on Active Ageing and solidarity between Generations, the EY2012 Coalition presents its joint Manifesto and Road Map and urges all relevant actors at local, national and European level to seize the momentum of the European Year 2012 to commit to creating an age-friendly European Union that will allow everyone to live, learn, work and age with dignity.

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EU LEADERS MUST PROTECT DISCRIMINATED GROUPS IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE
12 January 2012/// The EU has thrown in the towel about protecting discriminated groups, including lesbian, gay and bisexual people, persons with disabilities, religious minorities, youth and older people. A coalition of European equality and anti-discrimination NGOs now calls on the European Commission and the Danish Presidency of the EU to urgently take up this issue.

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LAUNCH OF THE WORLD REPORT ON DISABILITY AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
9 December 2011 /// On 7th December 2011 the World Report on Disability was presented and discussed at a launch event in the European Parliament. Most of speakers welcomed this document - which states that one billion people experience disability globally. EDF gave his opinion on the report and highlighted the effect of the crisis on persons with disabilities in Europe.

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PRESIDENTS BARROSO, BUZEK & VAN ROMPUY MEET WITH EDF: THE FIRST STATE OF THE UNION ON DISABILITY
6 December 2011 /// Today, the first State of the Union on Disability was organised in Brussels. This historic meeting hosted by President José Manuel Barroso gathered Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, Herman Van Rompuy President of the European Council, and Yannis Vardakastanis President of the European Disability Forum.

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WORKING ON THE SMARTPHONE REVOLUTION: SOON TO BE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
6 December 2011 /// EDF, AGE Platform Europe and Vodafone has announced the winners of the inaugural Vodafone Foundation Smart Accessibility Awards at a ceremony attended by the European Commissioner for Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes and Vodafone Group Chief Executive Vittorio Colao. Read why accessiblity to technology is crucial.

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EUROPE’S WAY OUT OF THE CRISIS:"WE NEED A NEW PLAN TO PROTECT PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES FROM THE CRISIS”
1 December 2011 /// To mark the European Day of Persons with Disabilities, the European Commission organised in cooperation with the European Disability Forum a policy conference in Brussels: “Europe’s way out of the crisis: the disability rights perspective.” Read why it is necessary to focus on the crisis and check who won the Access City Awards 2012.

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ACCESS AND THE CITY
14 November 2011 /// Accessibility of built environment is a key issue within the disability movement. This paper focuses on three European initiatives that will certainly improve the lives of 80 million persons with disabilities: Access City Awards; the EFC league of Historical and Accessible Cities and Urbaccess.

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EU SUMMIT: OUR LETTER TO HEADS OF STATE: WE DON'T WANT TO BE EXCLUDED MORE THAN WE ALREADY ARE
24 October 2011 /// Poverty, social exclusion, discrimination, marginalisation, illiteracy and negative stereotypes of people with disabilities can be the sad legacy of the economic, social and political reforms if implemented without duly consideration of the rights of people with disabilities: the European Disability Forum wrote a letter to all heads of State to make sure that the outcome of the summit on the crisis won’t have worst consequences on persons with disabiltiies.

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CONNECTING EUROPE FACILITY: COMMISSION PROPOSES CONCRETE PLAN FOR A BETTER ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
21 October 2011 /// The Commission adopted on 19 October 2011 a package for new infrastructure policy. It comprises a proposal for the revision of important European transport network guidelines (TEN-T) and a proposal for a Connecting Europe Facility. Why are they both positive for persons with disabilities?

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LEADERS OF THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT WANT POLAND TO RATIFY THE UN CONVENTION BEFORE THE END OF THE POLISH PRESIDENCY
16 October 2011 /// The European disability movement met in Warsaw for an important board meeting. The Polish government said Poland will ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the coming months.

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X MARKS THE SPOT
5 October 2011 /// Exclusion from universal suffrage is still widespread within the European Union. EDF has taken it to the European Parliament to be discussed and revised.

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UNANIMOUS VOTE AT ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE: THE EU MUST ACT NOW
22 September 2011 /// On 21 September, the EESC adopted unanimously an important opinion on the European Commission disability strategy for the next 10 years. Released in 2010, this Strategy is a step in the right direction for persons with disabilities. The European Disability Forum involved in drafting of this opinion considers the adoption a great success. The disability movement welcomes the issues highlighted by the EESC and calls on the European Commission to react accordingly.

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TRAINS: WE DON’T WANT TO BE LEFT ON THE PLATFORM
12 September 2011 /// In 2007 the Commission issued a decision concerning the technical specification of interoperability relating to persons with reduced mobility in the trans-European conventional and high-speed rail system. The guidelines set out in this extensive framework aim to improve accessibility to rail transport for persons with reduced mobility. These technical specifications are currently being revised. The final proposal for the revised specifications is expected in October 2012.

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WHY ARE STANDARDS REALLY IMPORTANT?
12 September 2011 /// European standardization organisations are currently in the process of implementing the request from the European Commission to develop 3 specific European standards. These standards would support the incorporation of accessibility requirements and criteria by public authorities into public procurement bids. Public procurement is the way of awarding contracts for public works and for the procurement of goods and services on behalf of a public authority.

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HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS UNITE AGAINST FORCED STERILISATION OF FIVE WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES IN FRANCE
24 August 2011 /// A coalition of human rights groups is speaking out against the practice of forced sterilisation of women with mental disabilities in France.

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EDF MET VICE-PRESIDENT REDING: WE AGREE ON THE STRATEGY AND EDF WANTS MORE AMBITION
13 July 2011 /// Yesterday, the European Disability Forum (EDF) met with Vice President of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship. Further to the EU conclusion of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the disability movement brought concrete proposals to the meeting to ensure the full implementation of the human rights treaty.

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PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES NEVER KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
30 June 2011 /// Yesterday, the European Disability Movement met with Vice President of the European Commission, Siim Kallas responsible for Transport. EDF wants to make sure persons with disabilities are not discriminated anymore when boarding a plane or otherwise travelling in Europe.

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DIGITAL AGENDA: EDF AND PARTNERS LAUNCH NEW CAMPAIGN
16 June 2011 /// On the occasion of the 1st Digital Agenda Assembly EDF and its partners are launching their campaign for Accessible websites. 95% of public websites remain inaccessible. Concretely, this means that older people and persons with disabilities cannot access vital information online and perform the same everyday tasks as non-disabled people can.

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WE WANT A EUROPEAN MOBILITY CARD
10 June 2011 /// In the framework of the EDF Top Campaign 2011 on the theme of “Freedom of Movement”, one of the objectives is to promote the adoption of a European Mobility Card.

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INSTITUTIONS AND DISABILITY: MAJOR HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE IN RESIDENTIAL CARE
9 June 2011 /// The Maltreatment of persons with disabilities in closed institutions or residential care is unacceptable. The European disability movement continues to lobby key decision makers in the field to end institutionalisation and promote community-based living. Read our media release, watch the BBC video and read Erik Olsen's interview by Disablity Voice.

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EDF MEETS BARROSO: DISABILITY RISES HIGH ON THE EUROPEAN AGENDA
1st June 2011 /// A delegation of the European Disability Forum led by its President, Yannis Vardakastanis, met with President of the European Commission Barroso in Brussels yesterday. This was the opportunity to discuss the next steps for disability in the EU.

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY: WE WANT FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
29 May 2011 /// This weekend the 15th Annual General Assembly of the European Disability Forum gathered the whole disability movement in Budapest. Among all the important topics, the 200 participants focused on how to make sure the European Union will guarantee freedom of movement for all persons with disabilities.

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STRUCTURAL FUNDS: PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS
23 May 2011 /// Don’t be funny about the money! EDF calls for the future Cohesion Policy to fund accessibility and social inclusion. People with disabilities are one of the main target groups recognized in the current General and Specific regulations of the Structural Funds. Non discrimination and accessibility for persons with disabilities must be taken into consideration during the design, implementation and monitoring of the future programme.

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WOMEN’S PROTECTION: LOBBYISTS’ VICTORY
23 May 2011 /// This month, the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Violence against Women was signed by 13 of the 47 Members States all urged to comply. The adoption of this Convention is welcomed by the European Women’s lobby (EWL).

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UN CONVENTION: 100th RATIFICATION
13 May 2011 /// Colombia has just become the 100th nation to ratify the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. European Disability Forum welcomes this ratification of the UN Convention and wants the EU to work on the next steps.

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EQUAL ACCESS INCLUDES E-ACCESS
21 April 2011 /// EDF responded to the Commissions’ Public Consultation concerning the implementation of legislation governing electronic identification within the EU. Information and communication technologies are vital to making possible the professional and cultural inclusion of persons with disabilities. This is why EDF emphasis the importance of e-accessibility. To ensure that the European Commission delivers its commitment taken under the Digital Agenda for Europe, EDF made sure that the voice of 80 million persons with disabilities was heard.

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CLEAR VIOLATION OF EU REGULATION LEADS TO DISCRIMINATION OF PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES
15 April 2011 /// Last week flight passenger Shuaib Chalklen was refused to board flight number LX353 London- Geneva on the grounds of his disability. The airlines motives for refusing this passenger stand in direct violation of EU law governing the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when traveling by air. On Monday, Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas released a report on the functioning and effect of this regulation.

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THE EUROPEAN LOTTERIES AND THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT JOIN FORCES FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE EUROPE
13 April 2011 /// EDF and the European Lotteries have signed a cooperation agreement to develop and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society. The agreement could help improve the lives of 80 million European citizens with disabilities.

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TAXI INDUSTRY JOINS FORCES WITH THE EUROPEAN DISABILITY FORUM
22 March 2011 /// The International Road Transport Union (IRU) and EDF publish recommendations to taxi drivers to improve accessibility to people with disabilities and reduced mobility.

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TRADE UNIONS AND DISABILITY MOVEMENT: TOGETHER FOR MORE INCLUSIVE LABOUR MARKET
11 March 2011 /// Trade unions and organisations of persons with disabilities (DPOs), on the 10 and 11 March 2011, gathered in Brussels for a joint conference, while the Competitiveness Council was held. European citizens face several difficulties, especially when access to quality employment is at stake. To avoid that social issues are not scarified to the imperatives of the economy, the organisations believe that it is necessary to develop a strong riposte. Meeting the target of 75% of employment rate by 2020 requires taking into account persons with disabilities, who represent 15% of the working population of the EU.

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EDUCATION: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES CONTINUE TO BE EXCLUDED
15 February 2011 /// The EU wants to reduce early school leaving, as indicated in Europe 2020, the EU growth strategy for the next decade. Persons with disabilities represent 15% of the population of Member States: a focus on inclusive education and special needs would reduce school dropout rates. Nevertheless, the European Commission adopted the communication: “Tackling early school leaving” at the end of January and didn’t recommend anything about persons with disabilities.

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STRONG COMMITMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION: TIME TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
17 January 2011 /// Shortly before the entry into force of the UN Convention on 22 January, Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding addressed the Disability Intergroup at the European Parliament along with EDF President Yannis Vardakastanis and President of the Intergroup Adam Kósa. The ongoing work of the disability movement was reinforced by Ms Reding’s commitments and the European Disability Forum will continue to work hard to ensure that the European institutions will now deliver.

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HISTORIC RATIFICATION OF THE UN CONVENTION
4 January 2011 /// The European Union has officially ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 23 December, becoming the first intergovernmental group to sign on to any human rights treaty.

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