FIMITIC

This report, containing statistics, evaluation of national policies, comparison of anti-discrimination laws and policy recommendations, published by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, can be found here.

Among the working-age population in the EU in 2002, 16.4% - one in every six reported that they had a long standing health problem or disability (LSHPD). Among the eight Acceding Countries taking part in the study, the proportion was 14.3%.

This report describes general principles and measures designed to give people with disabilities access to social rights in Europe.

It also identifies those obstacles that still impede access for people with disabilities to full participation in society. It also give numerous examples of good practice.This publication can be ordered from the Council of Europe:

Tel : +33/3/88.41.25.81,
E-mail : publishing@coe.int,
Website : http://book.coe.int

Order reference : 92-871-5328-0.
 

This publication analyses the underlying factors of double discrimination based on gender and handicap and proposes actions to achieve real equality.This publication can be ordered from the Council of Europe:

Tel : +33/3/88.41.25.81,
E-mail : publishing@coe.int,
Website : http://book.coe.int

Order reference : 92-871-5316-7.
 

This comparative analysis takes stock of existing legislation covering all areas of life such as education, mobility, accessibility, vocational guidance and training, employment, sports, leisure and culture, medical care, etc.

This report identifies three main approaches to achieve equality of opportunity: anti-discrimination legislation, preferential treatment and compensatory measures.This publication can be ordered from the Council of Europe:
Tel : +33/3/88.41.25.81,
E-mail : publishing@coe.int,

During their Council meeting on 1. and 2. December 2003, the Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs, adopted the conclusions on the follow up of the European Year of People with Disabilities.

These Conclusions invite the current and acceding Member States to pro-actively mainstream disability issues into relevant policy areas and to transpose and fully apply the Directive for equal treatment in employment and occupation.

Rome, San Giovanni Addolorata, December 5-7, 2003

The proposal focuses specifically on the access to and supply of goods and services. So. for example, the use of sex as a factor in the calculation of premiums and benefits for insurance and related financial services would be prohibited.Despite various political commitments to equality of women and men, despite strong Treaty provisions and international texts signed by all EU Member States, the European Commission has only taken a first step to address the unequal status of women and men in society.

The Action plan, which will run from 2004 to 2010, demonstrates the commitments of the Commission to concrete follow-up of the designation of 2003 as European Year of People with Disabilities.

Relevant link to EU website.