European Disability Strategy 2010-2020

On 15 November 2010 the European Commission adopted a new strategy to break down the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating in society on an equal basis.

The Strategy identifies eight main areas for action which have the potential to contribute to the overall objectives of the Strategy and of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Accessibility, Participation, Equality, Employment, Education andtraining, Social protection, Health, and External Action.

The Strategy aims to promote the rights of people with disabilities in their external action, including EU enlargement, neighbourhood and development programmes. The initial implementation plan identifies a series of actions for 2010-2015, which include, among others, supporting the national efforts of partner countries for the implementation of the UNCRPD, ensuring that EU development cooperation reaches persons with disabilities, consolidating the network of disability focal points in EU Delegations and Headquarters and increase the awareness of EU staff on disability matters.