The European Commission’s «Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030» marks an ambitious and comprehensive step towards building a more inclusive society for approximately 87 million people with disabilities across the European Union. Anchored in principles of equality, autonomy, and participation, this strategy is designed to ensure that all persons with disabilities can enjoy their rights fully, both in their own countries and across the EU. Here we provide an overview of the most important elements of the strategy, which aims to make Europe a more accessible, fair, and supportive environment for everyone.

Vision and Need for Action

The strategy for 2021-2030 builds on the progress made by the previous European Disability Strategy 2010-2020. Despite progress in areas such as accessibility and awareness, people with disabilities still face many barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment and independent living. The new strategy emphasizes the importance of building a ‘Union of Equality’, ensuring that people with disabilities can participate in all aspects of society on an equal basis with others. The principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) underpin this vision and ensure that human rights are respected, protected and promoted.

Key Pillars of the Strategy

1. Accessibility: Enabling Rights and Autonomy
   Accessibility is a fundamental right for persons with disabilities, enabling their participation in society. The Strategy aims to make both physical and digital environments more accessible. This includes improvements in infrastructure, transport, and digital tools under the European Accessibility Act. The launch of Accessible EU in 2022 aims to improve coherence in accessibility policies across Member States and provide a hub for sharing best practices.
2. Decent Quality of Life and Independent Living
   The strategy emphasizes the right of people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities. To achieve this, it supports the transition from institutional care to community-based services, including personal assistance and accessible housing. The Strategy also highlights the importance of improving the quality and availability of community-based services, particularly in rural areas where access can be more difficult.
3. Equal Rights and Non-Discrimination
   Persons with disabilities should have equal access to justice, education, healthcare, and social protection. The Strategy addresses the need for legislative measures to ensure non-discrimination beyond the employment sector, advocating for the adoption of a horizontal directive that ensures equal treatment in all aspects of life. It also seeks to strengthen access to justice by providing appropriate accommodations during judicial proceedings, enabling effective participation for all.
4. Participation in Society and Political Life
   Ensuring that people with disabilities can participate fully in society, including political life, is a cornerstone of the strategy. The European Disability Card, to be introduced by 2023, will facilitate the recognition of disability status in all Member States, making it easier for people to access services when moving between countries. The strategy also encourages Member States to improve the accessibility of elections to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from exercising their democratic rights.
5. Improving Employment Opportunities
   Employment is crucial for achieving economic independence and social inclusion. The Strategy calls for action to reduce the employment gap between persons with and without disabilities, encouraging Member States to provide training, reasonable accommodations, and support schemes such as inclusive apprenticeships. It also emphasizes the importance of creating pathways from sheltered employment to the open labor market.
6. Health, Social Protection, and Education
   Access to high-quality healthcare and education is essential for ensuring equality for persons with disabilities. The Strategy promotes inclusive education at all levels, from early childhood through to higher education, and highlights the need for healthcare that is both accessible and tailored to specific needs. It also addresses gaps in social protection systems, calling for reforms to ensure that disability-related expenses are covered, and that all persons have access to adequate income support.

A Union of Equality

A Union of Equality
The Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 is a crucial step towards a Union of Equality. It acknowledges the diversity of disabilities and the particular challenges faced by persons with multiple vulnerabilities, including women, children, older persons and refugees with disabilities. By promoting accessibility, equality, independent living and active participation in all areas of life, the strategy aims to break down barriers and build a truly inclusive Europe. The road ahead requires the coordinated efforts of the European institutions, Member States and stakeholders across society.