Many National Stuttering Associations and people who stutter have been discussing the question of 'Is stuttering a disability?' for many years. The debate often brought into focus current legislation for disabled people and what that legislation can do for PWS. Many people with severe stutters may consider that being disabled could help in their day to day lives. Others with less a severe stutter may not wish to associate themselves with being disabled. Often it is a very personal thing but is clearly linked to the perception of disability and the legislation applicable to the person who stutters.

What is discrimination?
The question of discrimination against people who stutter is closely - even though not necessarily - linked to the issue of disability. "Discrimination" can be defined as treating someone unfair and denying his or her equal rights on the ground of certain personal features - for instance sex, faith, physical or mental particularities. Similar to the question whether or not a person with a handicap feels disabled, discrimination may be a matter of personal consideration. However, generally there is no doubt that people with a speech handicap are potential victims of discrimination.

The Amsterdam Treaty 1997
At EU level, the impact of the Amsterdam Treaty and non-discrimination clauses will hopefully soon be felt all over Europe. Disability Organisations have been campaigning since 1990 at EU level to include a non-discrimination clause in the EU Treaties. The Amsterdam Treaty, agreed in 1997, included article 13 in the Treaty establishing the European Community. Article 13 now reads:

"Without prejudice to the other provisions of this Treaty and within the limits of the powers conferred by it upon the Community, the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, may take appropriate action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation."

On 5 October 2000 the European Parliament voted to support breakthrough anti-Discrimination legislation which for the first time clears the road to concrete non-discrimination legislation for disabled people in the European Union. This Parliamentary act demonstrates a commitment by the European Union to new and progressive initiatives to combat discrimination in Europe.

Protection against discrimination
This Directive, when finally adopted by the Member States, will provide important protection against discrimination in the field of employment and training for 37 million disabled citizens in the EU. The view of the Disability Organisations is that this Directive will prepare the ground for further legislative measures at Community level to address all forms of discrimination within all areas of Community competence. ELSA has sought information from its membership of the national stuttering associations on the situation with respect to discrimination legislation in their country. The following questions were asked:

1. Is there an anti-discrimination legislation in your country? That is, does your country's governmental constitution contain a clause forbidding discrimination against people with disabilities? If not, is it being discussed by the government and people of your country?In your National Stuttering Association, is there a discussion on whether or not people who stutter are potential victims of discrimination? If so, are you aware of any particular areas in which discrimination happens (e.g. school, employment…)?
2. Are there or will there be particular actions taken by your national stuttering association to combat discrimination against people who stutter?