In the lead up to the European elections, Aspire is
gathering momentum and seeking commitment from MEPs and candidates to support
the European Accessibility Act.
You can read our full policy document on the issue here LINK
Accessible products empower disabled people to live
independently. At the moment, disabled people are cut off from even accessing
basic goods and services. For example, more government services such as renewing
vehicle excise duty and welfare benefits claims are moving online. It is
important that disabled people are able to access these services independently
and that technology used empowers them to be independent.
The European Disability Strategy, adopted in November 2010,
centres on Accessibility and has a goal to make goods and services accessible
to disabled people and promote the market of assistive devices. The Strategy
committed the European Union to consider the proposal of an European
Accessibility Act by 2012.
Within the scope of this Act, it was envisaged that specific
standards would be developed to ‘substantially improve the proper functioning
of the EU market for accessible products and services.’
The Act would focus around technological goods and services
procured in the European Union by public bodies. Companies that wanted to
supply to this market would have to ensure that they consider the accessibility
of their products. Companies will know that when they are developing products,
not considering the needs of disabled people will harm their chances to supply
to public bodies in the European Union.
We’d be grateful if you could also contribute to the campaign and contact
your MEPs about this issue. Make the most of any contact you have with
candidates and Members of European Parliament and ask them for their support
for this worthy cause. MEPs are elected representatives and it is important
that they are held to account and also that they use their influence to help
make positive change for disabled people.
We have compiled a step-by-step guide on contacting your MEP
which you can follow here LINK
Remember to forward your replies to krupesh.hirani@aspire.org.uk
Aspire will be following this up with successful candidates
after the European Elections on Thursday May 22nd 2014.
