Halting discrimination: International day of persons with disabilities

Vincent is the happy father of two children and loves surfing. Like Vincent, around 87 million people in the EU have a disability. On this International day of persons with disabilities, the EU reaffirms its commitment to breaking down barriers and improving the lives of people with disabilities. Through its Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-30 the European Commission has put forward proposals to 

• improve job prospects for persons with disabilities – vital as only half of 42.8 million persons with disabilities of working age in the EU are in work 
• launch a European disability card that would apply to all EU countries, and
• promote accessible, supported housing for persons with disabilities  

The strategy offers more measures to achieve concrete results. And advances are being made, like in the Spanish city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna which received the 2024 Access City Award for its dedication to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities – but more must, and will, be done so that Vincent, his family, and all of us can enjoy a full life, free of any physical or social barrier.

Disability regards us all, almost half of the EU elderly population has a disability. In the EU, discrimination based on disability is banned by law. But for too many people with disabilities, discrimination is a daily reality. 

For more information

Find out more about the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-30

San Cristóbal de La Laguna wins 2024 Access City Award