Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-11-15-Speech-4-227"
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"en.20011115.14.4-227"2
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". – Mr President, I would just like to say that I am standing in for my colleague, Mr Andrews, and I am very honoured to do so because of the important issues in this excellent report by Mrs Lynne.
The purpose of the year is to provide for a coordinated effort to change attitudes and to promote the removal of social and environmental barriers to equality and to assist in legal and policy developments. This means putting a value on diversity and celebrating diversity. It also includes making us aware of issues relating to multiple discrimination.
I want to stress our full support for the designation of 2003 as European Year of People with Disabilities. I know that the Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs also supports the objectives of the year, as members unanimously backed my colleague's opinion.
There are approximately 38 million people in the European Union who have a disability. They face a wide range of barriers, including different forms of discrimination. People with physical and sensory disabilities are just as much a part of our society as able-bodied people. Very often, however, they are hindered from taking part in our society. What makes it worse, as Mr Andrews states in his opinion, is that they are not hindered by their disabilities, but by their environment and the attitudes towards them. They suffer multi-discrimination. This must change.
Some of the problems include public transport and access to buildings, stairways and doors which are not wide enough to allow wheelchair access. Surveys show that the intellectual capacity of people with physical disabilities is very often under-estimated. They can be discriminated against when applying for jobs. The exclusion of people with disabilities from society not only denies their fundamental rights, but also deprives society of diversity and inclusivity. People with disabilities can make a positive contribution to society. Their experiences can encourage more tolerance, understanding and awareness of the needs of others besides their own capacities and abilities. Our own goal must be to end discrimination and safeguard their rights. It is important that discrimination against people with disabilities is tackled as a mainstream issue.
The four amendments presented by my colleague, Mr Andrews, were fully supported by the rapporteur, Mrs Lynne, and endorsed by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. They are now Amendments Nos 20, 45, 47 and 48. I have nothing else to add, only to congratulate Mrs Lynne on her excellent report and on the very touching speech she gave to us in the presentation of the report."@en1
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"deputizing for the draftsman of the opinion of the Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs"1
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