Directive on the European Accessibility Act

April 13, 2016

EU Commission, EU Parliament

The European Commission has made a proposal for a directive on the European Accessibility Act. To assist the EESC prepare its opinion of the proposal, the Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship, is holding a Public Hearing concerning the matter, seeking input and views from a number of relevant stakeholders, including EUD.

EUD Executive Director, Mark Wheatley, was one of the presenters at this Public Hearing. He presented the deaf and hard of hearing perspective on the requirements of the European Accessibility act for different policy areas, for example accessible websites, audio-visual services and emergency services.

Various policies have been covered from different perspectives – NGO’s representing groups with diverse disabilities and business representatives alike – pointing out the need for accessible products and services on the internal market as well as the requirements and techniques needed to ensure the efficient implementation and enter into application of the European Accessibility Act. The conclusions will feed into the work of the drafting group, which will meet this afternoon.