Interview with MEP Anne-Sophie Pelletier – Sign language interpretation for (all) plenary sessions

20.02.2023

EDF

This is the ninth of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In this interview, we spoke with MEP Anne-Sophie Pelletier about her report on equal rights for persons with disabilities and the need for accessible European Institutions. We also spoke about her work as coordinator of her political group in the European Parliament’s Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

Fighting for dignity

Question: You led a report setting the European Parliament (EP) recommendations to ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities. What are the main recommendations of
this report?

Answer: In this report, which is a culmination of many years of fighting for the dignity of persons with disabilities, I call on the European Commission:

For better use of EU funds, harmonisation of rules, and more cooperation
Moving from separate environments to social participation and communities accessible to all
Concerns about intersectional discrimination and legal capacity decisions
The need for a horizontal anti-discrimination directive and a Commission proposal to improve inclusion in companies
The need to extend the benefits of the European Disability Card;
Measures to mainstream inclusive educational settings and health care;
The promotion of inclusive employment
De-institutionalisation of persons with disabilities

Working towards Accessible European Institutions

Question: In the plenary debate about this report, you started your intervention in French sign language, highlighting the fact that the EP is still far from being fully accessible. What measures do you think the EP should implement as a public administration?

Answer: The European Parliament must stand by its values and provide sign language interpretation for plenary sessions and all official representations. We cannot leave millions of citizens on the sidelines, especially when we are supposed to represent them. The European institutions must update themselves and make themselves accessible to all.

Integrating all citizens

Question: You have recently been appointed as coordinator of your political group in the European Parliament’s Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO). How do you plan to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and accessibility in this Committee?

Answer: My plan for my new responsibilities for the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) is to integrate all citizens in the reports we have. Especially when we talk about the internal market, to rip off consumers there is no discrimination, but when it comes to fully integrating them it is a different story.