EDF has given feedback to a European Commission roadmap consultation ahead of the publication of a draft delegated act for to ensuring effective access to emergency services through emergency communications to the single European emergency number ‘112’. We have welcomed the aims and some of the proposed solutions detailed in the roadmap and provided recommendations on ensuring truly equivalent access for persons with disabilities to emergency communications.
Context and Problem
Under Article 109(8) of Directive 2018/1972 – the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), the European Commission is mandated to adopt a delegated act to ensure effective access to emergency services through emergency communications to the single European emergency number ‘112’. One of the aims of the delegated act will be to introduce measures necessary to ensure the compatibility, interoperability, quality, reliability and continuity of emergency communications in the Union with regard to equivalent access for persons with disabilities to emergency services in their country of residence and when travelling within the Union.
EDF recommendations
EDF has recommended that in order to comply with the requirement of providing equivalent access for persons with disabilities to emergency services, Member States must effectively transpose and implement the European Accessibility Act (EAA), as it sets harmonised accessibility requirements for electronic communications services, related products, and answering of emergency communications to the single European emergency number “112” by the most appropriate Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). The Act requires that by 28 June 2027 PSAPs in all Member States use the same communication means as received, namely by using synchronised voice and text (including real time text), or, where video is provided, voice, text (including real time text) and video synchronised as total conversation.
See our detailed response and recommendations linked below:
- EDF feedback – EC roadmap consultation on effective access to 112 (PDF)
- EDF feedback – roadmap consultation on contingency plan for transport – Sept 2021 (Word)
Contact
Mher Hakobyan, EDF accessibility officer (mher.hakobyan@edf-feph.org).