After the introduction of a unified disability card in EU It will be much easier for people with disabilities to get the help they need, travel and visit public places.
Belgian Pierre Gieselinck is one of the 90 million people with disabilities living in the European Union. He has already received a disability card and talks about improving his quality of life:
“When I was in Italy, I asked for help at a museum. I didn’t get it until I proved I couldn’t walk on my own. In those days, I didn’t use a wheelchair, I walked with a stick. Luckily, they gave me an electric scooter to I could visit the museum.”
This document can be presented throughout the EU and receive the required assistance. It is already available, as part of a pilot program, in eight countries. Last week, the European Commission presented a proposal to extend this program to all member countries of the European Union.
The card provides disabled people with equal access to public places, preferential parking, and free and queue-free entry to cultural institutions. Ensuring mobility for people with disabilities will undoubtedly contribute to the development of trade and tourism. It will also reduce additional costs that arise when traveling abroad. Yiannis Vardakastanis, Chairman of the European Disability Forum, is convinced that a big step has been taken towards full equality:
“When we cross borders, our disability does not disappear, but the disability certificate and parking card serve as proof of disability status. Therefore, when such a Belgian travels from Belgium to Germany, he does not need to prove that he is disabled. The disability card will do this for him.”
Thirteen years ago, public organizations took the initiative to create such a map, recalls euronews. The EC developed a legislative proposal and submitted it for discussion to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. However, unfortunately, citizens with disabilities will have to wait at least another couple of years before they will be able to use a disability card.
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