In 2011, 80 million persons lived with disabilities representing about 15% of the EU population. With anageing population, given that people are more prone to developing disabilities with age, this share will continue to increase. Persons with disabilities usually face a number of challenges that hamper their daily activities, such as difficulties in accessing public transport and buildings or in using household appliances or e-commerce services.
Like all EU citizens, persons with disabilities are entitled to accessibility,i.e.'to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life' regarding the accessibility of goods and services – the prevention and elimination of obstacles that pose problems for persons with disabilities in using products, services or infrastructures – supply is insufficient and there is regulatory fragmentation in the EU market, both of which obstruct competition and keep prices high.
The European framework for promoting accessibility
The EU considers accessibility of persons with disabilities as a fundamental right in its Charter ( Articles 21 and 26 ). In 2010, it concluded the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The EU Disability Strategy for 2010 – 2020 highlights accessibility as one of its priorities. Since then, the European Commission has promoted accessibility in its Digital Agenda.
Significant attention has been given to provide assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. In addition, the Commission has invested in the development of common voluntary standards on accessibility in specific areas like ICTs and the built environment. Yet, implementation has been problematic, with Member States differing in their approaches to promoting accessibility.
The European Accessibility Act
In order to help dismantle barriers between Member States, a European Accessibility Act (EAA) – a business friendly proposal that should substantially improve the proper functioning of the internal market for accessible goods and services – was announced by the Commission in January 2011, initially scheduled for the end of 2012,but repeatedly postponed. On2 December, Commissioner Marianne Thyssen finally presented the proposal for an EEA. It lists 'needs' which should be accessible in terms of functional requirements (e.g. computers,telephones, TV, media services, transport, banking services, e- books and e-commerce) without imposing detailed technical solutions. According to the Commission its proposed directive should reduce barriers for people with disabilities in the EU as regards access to education and jobs and participation in society. The proposal is due to be presented at the December II plenary session.
Stakeholders and the European Parliament
Since its announcement in 2011, the EAA has been a matter of concern for many stakeholders. The European Economic and Social Committee put stress on its essential human-rights dimension,while the European Disability Forum highlighted the need to harmonise accessibility requirements at EU level. DigitalEurope promotes public procurement as a means to encourage both accessibility and innovation. In recent years, the European Parliament has been highly supportive as regards the EAA. Several Members have asked the Commission questions about the expected act, and Parliament passed a further Resolution in May 2015 which called on the Commission to present an ambitious proposal for the (repeatedly delayed) EAA.