European Union Ministers of Social Affairs Declare 2003 European Year of People with Disabilities
Brussels, 6 December 2001 - On 3 December, the Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs unanimously adopted the Commission proposal to declare 2003, the European Year of People with Disabilities. The European Disability Forum has been the initiator of this proposal and will be extremely active to promote a better understanding of disability through actions that will focus on the quality of life for disabled citizens, independent living and full participation in society. The decision taken by the Council was officially announced by Commissioner Diamantopolou during the celebration of the European Day of Disabled People, in presence of a large representation of European disability organizations and European design companies meeting in Brussels for a Round Table on the theme "Design for All".
"The European Year will be a unique opportunity to promote the disability agenda in the EU and raise awareness on the abilities and capacities of disabled people to combat the stereotypes and prejudice among society. The European Disability Forum has been preparing actively for this challenge. Today, 37 million disabled people celebrate the decision taken by the EU Ministers‰" said Yannis Vardakastanis, EDF President.
The ¤12 million budget for the Year of People with Disabilities will serve to stimulate wide-ranging involvement and initiatives such as awareness-raising activities, events, meetings and reports and will be complemented by other European and national initiatives. More than 10 thousand events within the European Union are planned, involving disabled and non-disabled people. The aim of the EU and national actions will be to raise public awareness of the rights of disabled people and the positive contribution they make to society, the problems they face because of their disabilities and the various forms of discrimination they have to face. On the other hand, it will encourage thoughts on the measures required to meet those problems, promote the exchange of good experience and strengthen cooperation between the parties involved in this issue
The European Disability Forum stresses the importance of a co-ordinated action across Europe and the full involvement of people with disabilities and their representatives in the activities of the European Year, as a vital key for success.
For more information contact: Helena González-Sancho, EDF Information and Campaign Officer: Tel: +32-2-282.46.04 E-mail: communication@edf-feph.org
The European Disability Forum (EDF) is a European umbrella organisation with 70 European NGOs and 17 National Councils from all of the EU and EEA as members. EDF represents the interests of 37 million disabled citizens in the EU and EEA. Our mission is to advance disabled people's human rights and promote equal opportunities in the EU Institutions and Member States in accordance with principles of non-discrimination.
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