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The European Disability Forum welcomes the new EC Communication “To be part of the Information Society”, recognising the importance of accessible Information and Communication Technologies for EU’s social cohesion and economic growth
Brussels, 29 November 2007 – The European Commission estimates that around 200 million people in the European Union do not use Internet and that up to 30 to 40% of the population cannot fully benefit from the digital society. 15% are disabled people.
“We welcome this new Communication as it shows that the European Commission is perfectly conscious of the existing gaps and the priorities that need to be tackled. For the disabled users and consumers, accessible and affordable information and communication technologies are essential for a full inclusion in European society; not to forget that disabled people urge the industry to find new solutions that will benefit all people, including those with special needs” said Rodolfo Cattani, Executive member of the European Disability Forum and Chair of its Universal Access Committee.
The EC Communication analysis the current state of play and identifies the challenges ahead. In particular, the Commission warns on the risks of the digital divide if no further action is taken. It also recognises EU’s key role in coordinating initiatives taken at the Member State level, in order to overcome the existing fragmentation and disparities. For the EDF, a very positive aspect of the Communication is that it states the need for complementary actions such as legislation and research incentive measures.
“As stressed in the Communication, in 2008 the Commission will push for horizontal e-accessibility legislation, following an impact assessment. We share this approach and we believe that it is the only effective way forward to guarantee access of disabled people to public websites, digital television, phone access to emergency services, public information terminals and many other services and products” said Carlotta Besozzi, EDF Director.
In addition, the European Disability Forum welcomes the strategic framework for action proposed by the Commission to implement the Riga Ministerial Declaration on e-Inclusion, adopted in June 2006 by 34 European countries to promote an inclusive and barrier-free Information Society. EDF supports the European Commission’s call on Member States to agree on a roadmap on accessibility of public websites, by 2008, but also recalls on the need to extend it to websites of public use through legislation.
Of particular importance for the disability movement is also the proper implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with which all initiatives and legal measures taken at EU level, should comply.
By the end of 2008, a Ministerial Conference will analyse the progress accomplished by the EU and Member States towards an inclusive information society.
Click here to download the EC Communication:
Click here to see the European Commission press release:
For more information, please contact: Helena González-Sancho Bodero, EDF Communication and Press Officer; Tel office: (+ 32 2) 282 46 04; E-mail: communication@edf-feph.org
The European Disability Forum (EDF) is the European umbrella organisation representing the interests of 50 million disabled citizens in Europe. EDF membership includes national umbrella organisations of disabled people from all EU/EEA countries, as well as European NGOs representing the different types of disabilities. The mission of the European Disability Forum is to ensure disabled people full access to fundamental and human rights through their active involvement in policy development and implementation in Europe.