Europe should take the lead when it comes to the disabled

Helga Stevens, the first deaf female member of the European Parliament, urges all European institutions to be leaders in guaranteeing the rights of persons with a disability. The competent commission of the European Parliament supported her report with recommendations to this end almost unanimously.

“It’s so encouraging that nearly every party supports my report,” Helga Stevens responds. “This proves that the rights of persons with a disability do not have a political affiliation or an agenda.”

Serving as an example

“Persons with a disability must have access to all areas of life. For example, what is the point of someone having a modified workplace if s/he cannot get to work because the train or bus is inaccessible?” The Stevens report contributes to European institutions setting a good example, for example by ensuring that events conducted in their buildings are accessible as much as possible or making information more easily available.

When drawing up her report, Helga Stevens worked in close concert with different associations of and for persons with a disability. She also took the advice of a great number of parliamentary commissions into account.