Inclusion Europe participated in the European Day of People with Disabilities conference in Brussels. The conference discussed in particular the problems that people with disabilities have when they travel to another country. The conference also issued the first European Access City Award for cities that focus on removing barriers for people with disabilities. The Award 2011 was given to Avila in Spain for its efforts to make the city accessible.

On 2-3 December 2010, Inclusion Europe has attended the European Day of People with Disabilities conference in Brussels. This conference was organised by the European Commission and the European Disability Forum to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The main focus of the conference was on the problems an EU citizen with disabilities encounters when he/she crosses a border and the possibility of mutual recognition of the disability entitlements and benefits in Europe.

Viviane Reding, Commissioner Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Vice President, opened the conference in the presence of Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium. Viviane Reding mentioned that the new European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 has been adopted on 15 November 2010. This strategy aims to create a barrier free Europe in accordance with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Specific measures are clustered in 8 priority areas, and accessibility is at the core of the strategy.

The Belgian Presidency announced their commitment to conclude the UN convention and to put it in effect notwithstanding the missing signatures. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities marks a turning point in the policies for people with disabilities. However, only 16 of the 27 Member States have ratified the Convention. The Member States have now adopted the Code of Conduct at the EU council meeting on 2 December 2010. This document will regulate Member States’ interaction with the Commission concerning the UN Convention on Disability Rights.

For the first time, a European Access City Award 2011 Ceremony was organised to award cities that have improved accessibility in fundamental aspects of living, such as in public spaces, transport, infrastructure, information and communication, public facilities and services. 66 European cities from 19 EU countries have participated in the competition. The four cities that were chosen as finalists were Koln (DE), Barcelona (ES), Turku (FI), and Avila (ES). The award 2011 was given to Avila for its efforts to remove barriers in the urban environment.

The first day of the conference focused in particular on the creation of a European Disability Card, a standardised format that will give access to a range of services in all Member States for people with disabilities. This card should guarantee freedom of movement and facilitate mobility. The second day of the conference discussed issues related to studying and working abroad, social security, leisure and culture.

During the conference, there were some striking testimonies from people with disabilities. Pablo Pineda, Spanish actor from the movie Yo Tambien talked about the importance of accessibility to him. He explained that it is not only about architecture, but also about leisure, culture and education.

The conference concluded with a positive note and hopes that the contribution of all those people who care for and work for the integration of people with disabilities will be even more crucial in light of the European Year on Volunteering 2011.