1. ECA from theory to practice and from Luxembourg to Berlin
Silvio Sagramola, Berlin

2. Presentation Info-Handicap Info-Handicap and ECA
About harmonized standards, strategies and motivations
From theory to practice
ECA 2013

3. Info-Handicap
Created in 1993 on the initiative of the Luxembourgish Government for a better coordination of national disability policies
Legal format: non-profit organisation contracted by the Ministry for Family and Integration to run a: National Disability Information and Meeting Centre. (53 member organisations of/for persons with disabilities.
Activities: Information and guidance, awareness raising and training, concert action and cooperation at national and European levels.

4. Info-Handicap and ECA
No accessibility legislation in Luxembourg in 1993
Looking for good practice in Europe, facilitated through the EU HELIOS I and II programs.
First contact with ECA in 1995, coordination since 1999
Influence on the Luxembourgish accessibility legislation voted in 2001

5. About harmonized standards, strategies and motivations
Focus on the “technical norms” for accessibility in 1990 with the European Manual
Focus on the “correct strategic approach” to accessibility of the built environment in 1996 with the European Concept for Accessibility. (for specialists)
Focus on the “correct organisational approach” to Design for All in 2003 with the “Technical Assistance Manual”. (for stakeholders)
Looking for guidance and success factors for the concrete implementation of Design for All in 2008 with the “ECA for Administrations”

6. From theory to practice
Non-discrimination in European Treaties
2003 European Year of People with Disabilities: “nothing about us, without us!”
2006 UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities: “involvement of p.d.!”
Disability based accessibility consultation!
Good intentions are not enough!
… therefore ECA 2013

7. Let’s make more out of good intentions!
ECA 2013
legal framework: 
theoretical and conceptual framework:
Decision makers interest: 
Decision makers commitment: 
Knowledge:
Let’s make more out of good intentions!

8. Well done and thank you Berlin!