In view of the forthcoming European elections that will take place on the 7th of June. the Belgium Disability Forum organised a debate meeting. The majority of the political parties were represented. The discussion was based on the memorandum published by the BDF in February 2009, supported by the 8 representatives of the parties.

Eight parties were represented by one of their candidate or by a technician:

• sp.a : Liesbet Stevens, equal opportunities
• pS : Véronique De Keyser, 2nd effectiv candidate
• cdH : Julien de Beys, European affairs
• NV-A : Helga Stevens, 7th suppleant candidate
• Groen! : Joke Van de Putte, 2nd effectiv candidate
• MR : Philippe Monfils, 7th effectiv candidate
• CD&V : Ritje Pauwels et Miek peeters, form the cabinet Heeren

Open VLD : Annemie Neyts-Huytebroeck, 2nd effectiv candidate

The following points has been discussed:

-       Mainstreaming disability is a fundamental notion but insufficient: it is important to keep a permanent pressure on some key subjects.

-       The empowerment is the indispensable complement of mainstreaming. Politic needs stakeholders from the organised civil society. He's asking to speak with a unique and representative person but without letting aside the contacts with the rest of the structure.

-       The development of a legitimization card is perceived like a concrete solution to respect the rights and guarantee the freedom of movement of persons with disabilities.

-       The ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the development of the transversal non-discrimination Directive are crucial for the inclusion of persons with disabilities and should now be concretely implemented in Member states.

-       Concerning the liberalisation, we have to make a difference between the different directives that will have an impact on persons with disabilities (patients rights, liberalisation of services of general interest) and to strictly analyse theirs concrete consequences. The Commission should deepen its work to ensure affordable services and care of quality.

-       The link between poverty and incomes will be a key issue for the forthcoming years. We have to work on it as soon as possible. The most vulnerable persons have to be supported: maintain employment and help unemployed persons with disabilities are the priorities.

-       Concerning the accessibility, a lot of sectors are waiting for standards. Normalization should help to go ahead to accessibility of all goods and services for all. Persons with disabilities should absolutely be a part of it.

Contact

Olivier MAGRITTE

bdf@minsoc.fed.be