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 for disabilities.
Despite the commitment taken by EU member States in Riga in 2006 and the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), which foresees the right of persons with disabilities to have access on an equal basis with others to all information and communications technologies, including internet, today 2/3 of public websites in Europe are still not accessible. The European Commission’s proposal is a good opportunity for the EU to implement the UN CRPD, as well as a test of its real commitment to this aim. To this end, the European disability movement believes that only a proposal with a wider scope and a binding enforcement mechanism will bring a real change.
> WHAT WE EXPECT
> READ OUR POSITION
> CONTACT
Lila Sylviti | EDF Communications officer | lila.sylviti@edf-feph.org [2]
The European Disability Forum [3] is the European umbrella organisation representing the interests of 80 million persons with disabilities in Europe. The mission of EDF is to ensure persons with disabilities full access fundamental and human rights through their active involvement in policy development and implementation in Europe. EDF is a member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and it is currently chairing its governing body.
Links:
[1] http://bit.ly/Y5FYkf
[2] mailto:lila.sylviti@edf-feph.org
[3] http://www.edf-feph.org/
[4] https://pr.euractiv.com/sites/default/files/pr/~%24%20March%202013%20-%20This%20is%20what%20we%20expect%20from%20the%20web%20accessibility%20directive.doc