Last week, Commissioner Lahbib announced the update of the EU strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities. Inclusion Europe advocated for strong updates to the strategy relevant to people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Here is what the updated strategy looks like:
What stays the same?
All actions from the first phase will continue.
The EU Disability Card and Parking Card are on track to be in use by 2028.
The EU guidance on independent living is being promoted for the use of EU Funds.
What’s new?
✅ An EU Alliance for Independent Living:
The Commission will bring together member states and experts to support the shift from institutions to community life in the EU. It will share good practices and monitor progress.
This is something Inclusion Europe advocated for as member of the European Expert Group on the transition from institutional to community-based support (EEG) has been advocating for.
✅ A study on supported decision-making:
For the first time, the strategy includes a study on legal capacity laws across Europe. It will highlight good practices on supported decision-making. This is a good first step to encourage change in EU countries.
✅ Right to vote:
The Commission will work with member states to make elections more accessible. It calls on countries to ensure people with disabilities can vote and run as candidates. This is needed ahead of the 2029 European elections.
✅ Inclusive jobs:
New studies will look at how employers apply reasonable accommodations. The Commission will also talk with trade unions and employers on improving employment for people with disabilities. Member states will be encouraged to set national employment targets.
✅ AI and assistive technology:
Many useful technologies exist but are too expensive or hard to access. The Commission will launch a dialogue with tech companies, users and public authorities to fix this. A study will map the obstacles and suggest solutions.
✅ Rights of women with disabilities:
A new study will look at violence against women with disabilities in the EU. There will also be work with the World Health Organisation to improve access to healthcare for women with disabilities.
✅ Inclusive education:
New guidance will help member states make schools and universities more accessible. A report on inclusive education will be published in 2028.
✅ Emergency preparedness:
Guidelines and training will be developed for emergency services on how to support people with disabilities in a crisis.
There are still some gaps
Significant gaps remain for full rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Using EU Funds for deinstitutionalisation.
The guidance and the new alliance are welcome. But we need clear rules for member states to invest in closing institutions and fund community living instead.
No clear targets for hiring people with intellectual disabilities in EU institutions.
National employment targets are important, but the EU should set the same targets to their administration. So, it really leads by example.
A need for strong commitment to legal capacity.
A study is a start. But we need a clear call on countries to end guardianship systems that take away people’s right to decide for themselves.
The European Disability Forum said the strategy “lacks new legislative initiatives.” Former EDF President Yannis Vardakastanis said: “The Disability Strategy has the right words, but it lacks teeth and strength.” You can read their full reaction on the EDF website. This sentiment is shared among disability rights movements.