Richard Howitt MEP says "Finally Europe Relents" as the new EU Accessibility Act for disabled people is announced.
THE FIRST EVER European binding law on access for disabled people, officially proposed today (Wednesday 2 December), is a victory after decades of political pressure, says Richard Howitt MEP, in his capacity as Co-President of the All-Party Disability Rights Group of MEPs.
Richard said the proposal leaves still unfulfilled an EU promise to outlaw disability discrimination in access to goods and services, but that he expects the European Parliament to seek to toughen up a provision in the new law for access rights to apply more widely to the 'built environment' in EU member states.
Richard Howitt MEP said:
"For the first time we can start to talk honestly about Europe's single market, because it will be one where the barriers preventing disabled people from participating are finally being lifted.
"Today's proposal is not yet freedom of movement for disabled people, nor is it inclusive design of products, nor is it the right of equal access to services.
"But it does begin the legislative process, allowing the European Parliament to begin to negotiate what can be achieved."
Read Richard Howitt MEP's full statement at: http://on.fb.me/1Q0gEeC