UK Survey of 500 Businesses Reveals Accessibility Problems

A recent survey by Scope, the UK nonprofit for people with cerebral palsy, revealed that most of the 500 places of business had serious accessibility problems. At least 75% of these public entities surveyed, such as restaurants and pubs, were found to have entry barriers.

It was concluded that businesses were losing out on a significant customer base, as well as being inaccessible to disabled employees or job seekers. The survey also showed that the business leaders in removing barriers and adding accessible public services are banks and supermarkets. Details online: www.scope.org.uk
 

European Union and Employment

On April 14 the European Commission adopted guidelines (Com/2000/853) for the Community Initiative, EQUAL. The initiative focuses on methods to counter discrimination and exclusion from the labor market. Disabled people are clearly one of the target groups. EQUAL is planned to run from 2000-2006.

As of March, the European Commission had issued three draft communications on employment:

• Community policies in support of employment
• Social trends: prospects and challenges
• Building an inclusive Europe

Employment and Vocational Training in Taiwan

A new booklet has been published outlining the activities of the Employment and Vocational Training Administration, Council of Labor Affairs in Taiwan. Details available online: www.evta.gov.tw

People with Disabilities Working in Mexico

APPNES Microindustria (Small Business) and the Centro de Capacitación para personas con discapacidad (Training Center for People with Disabilities) based in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, offers services to people with visual and hearing impairments, Down Syndrome, mental disabilities, epilepsy and others. The goal is to help with integration into society, and improvement of quality of life.
For more information, contact: http://www.geocities.com/appnes

Microcredit in Honduras

The Honduran Secretariat for Labor and Social Security has a program of financial grants for people with disabilities to create or develop small businesses. It also helps people with disabilities to obtain employment in private businesses or governmental institutions.

For more information contact:
Pedro Arturo Herrera at
pedroherreras@hotmail.com