EUROPEAN DAY OF DISABLED PEOPLE

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DISABLED PEOPLE AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS

On 25 November 1999, the European Commission published its Proposal for a Directive in the area of employment and occupation. This initiative by the Commission was founded on the provision in Article 13 of the Treaty establishing the European Union (as modified by the Treaty of Amsterdam) for action to combat discrimination based on various grounds including disability.

This Directive was adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2000. It introduced a general framework for equal treatment for disabled people and various other groups who are vulnerable to social exclusion. Disabled people who believe that they are the victims of discrimination are able to seek redress in the courts; and penalties may be imposed on people and organisations who have failed to apply the principle of equal treatment to them.

The Directive prohibits discrimination on grounds of disability in relation to access to employment and occupation, promotion, vocational training, employment conditions, and membership of organisations of workers, employers or members of a particular profession.

It is believed that this initiative provides a real opportunity to give new impetus to the efforts throughout the European Union (EU) to enable disabled people to realise their full potential in the labour market. It also recognises that it will be necessary to ensure full implementation of the Directive, whilst also maintaining and developing other essential legislative and administrative provision.

A Conference was held in Brussels on 6 December 2000 that enabled all parties concerned (including disability organisations, employers, trade unions and officials at national and EU level) to develop their awareness of the issues relevant to achieving equal treatment for, and the benefits of including disabled people in the labour market. Also, action points were identified in relation to - the implementation of the Directive; the continuing need for 'positive action'; and the need to combat discrimination in other areas of life that may impact on employment.

Page 2