EUROPEAN DISABILITY FORUM MITA EDF’s support to the Manifesto for Accessible Tourism Carlotta Besozzi|22/03/2013

European Disability Forum 1. EDF - the European organisation of persons with disabilities 80 million persons with disabilities in Europe Organisation OF persons with disabilities umbrella organisation with national platforms and European federations diversity of persons with disabilities Promotes the human rights end interests of persons with disabilities at EU & international level

European Disability Forum 2. EDF & the Manifesto on the promotion of accessible tourism An important step forward With White Paper: an engagement of the different, authorities, actors, and DPOs Reflects key principles: Free choice at equivalent price Training Awareness raising campaign Investments in infrastructure renovation (incentives) Implementation of legislation & standards

European Disability Forum 3. Further reflections Recommendations must be implemented with plan of actions at different levels with realistic but firm deadlines Integrate the plan in local policies for employment, training, area renovation Importance of standards A European accessibility label that with common criteria & symbols, including quality Training must also include professionals providing services and goods to tourism industry (architects, constructors, event organisers…) Safety Employment of persons with disabilities

European Disability Forum 4. Accessible tourism entails comprehensive policies Overall review of the hospitality and restaurant offer Accessibility of transport services Access of cultural, sport and entertainment Access of the built and natural environment Relevant authorities, industry, persons with disabilities must be involved Need for a long term plan

European Disability Forum 5. The EU context EU & Member States must “take appropriate measures to ensure to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others, to transportation, and facilities and services open or provided to the public” UNCRPD Freedom of movement is a right for participation to social, cultural & economic life Ensuring an internal market of touristic products & services with no barriers Economic potential with ageing population, new customers with disabilities and with special needs

European Disability Forum 6. Supporting Policies & EU level (I) New Structural funds regulations as a tool to fund renovation of infrastructure: Accessibility and non discrimination Implementation UN CRPD as ex ante conditionality Strategic management framework and operational programmes defined already now

European Disability Forum 7. Supporting Policies & EU level (II) A European Accessibility Act in 2013 Providing goods and services in the internal market for persons with disabilities (& reduced mobility) Products and services (tourism) including built environment aspects Definitions: design for all & accessibility Information &Training Link with standardisation

European Disability Forum 8. Supporting Policies & EU level (III) Public procurement directives: Accessibility as an award criteria Design for all & accessibility mandatory in technical specifications Contract performance specifications favouring Employment of persons with disabilities Upcoming legislation on service safety

European Disability Forum 9. Supporting Policies & EU level (IV) Transport: Passengers’ rights in air, rail, bus & maritime services: No denial of boarding, right to assistance, information Rail technical interoperability specifications covering infrastructure Vehicle accessibility, and diverging rules remain an issue Implementation must be encouraged through work with different entities

European Disability Forum 10. Supporting Policies & EU level (V) A European Mobility card for persons with disabilities to access cultural, sport, touristic venues & transport Based on mutual recognition (discount or gratuity as for national, local residents) Possibility to extend to commercial offers Pilot project led by EC involving several member States & EDF Promotional tool for tourism sites and venues

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