1. Disability equality in Europe? Making it happen
Professor Mark Priestley
University of Leeds

2. The next stage in EU disability strategy
UN recommended a re- alignment of the European Disability Strategy with CRPD implementation.
2016 EP report (Helga Stevens) called for ‘comprehensive revision’.
The time for a Disability Equality Agenda for is now…
The policy timeline is urgent…!

3. Opportunities in 2019-20 A new Parliament and Commission
A new budget programming period
Building on the conclusion of EU2020
UN 2030 Agenda and SDGs
The European Pillar of Social Rights
European Accessibility Act
Next CRPD progress report to the UN
EU ratification of the Optional Protocol?

4. Disability equality in Europe
A good strategy needs shared objectives and an evidence base

5. 24 point gap

6. No change in the gap?

9. Making it happen

10. 1. Align with multi-level governance
Global frameworks
UN CRPD
SDGs
European strategies
Prioritise, legislate, coordinate, support
National policies
Local realities, citizens’ lives!

11. 2. Mainstream disability equality (examples)
In 2012, more than half (16) the Commission’s EU2020 country reports did not mention disability in their analysis. In 2019, only one or two were missing this perspective.
The number of Country-Specific Recommendation fiches referring to disability rose from three in 2012 to 12 in 2018.
There were 57 references in the 2019 Joint Employment Report, compared to just 7 in 2013 (increasing each year).
the UN CRPD Committee underlined the EU’s responsibilities for co-ordination in employment, education and other areas of social policies, as well as its monitoring of EU investment funds

12. 3. Publish disability equality data and indicators

13. 4. Prioritise actions on shared goals
Disability equality in Europe?
Equal opportunities
Support for employment
Support for inclusive education
Accessibility
Choices and rights
Non-discrimination
Political participation
Support for independent living
Solidarity
Support for extra costs of living
Social protection floor
Strategic priorities…

14. 5. Strengthen the co-ordination
Parliament
Member States
Commission
FRA
Civil Society
Ombuds
Researchers
Legal basis for inter-institutional coordination.
Paris Principles suggest a ‘broad mandate’ and ‘pluralistic membership’
e.g. a ‘grand committee’ model of existing members, plus other experts?

15. Summary challenges
Balance the breadth of the CRPD with the limited scope of EU competence.
Mainstream disability equality consistently across the institutions
Produce better data and disability equality indicators to support shared policy goals.
Target areas where joint effort can make a difference and support the Member States.
Strengthen the structure, remit and membership of co-ordination bodies.