ENIL Press Release: Actions Over Words in the Next Five Years

Yesterday, I received the following email from the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL), which I feel is essential reading for anyone interested in Independent Living for Disabled people.

It is really heartening to read that many Disabled activists across Europe are laying out plans to protect and enhance independent living for Disabled people with high support needs. On the flip side, it is disappointing that I may not be able to join this fight for justice due to the fact that Britain is leaving Europe. I have not had confirmation that ENIL will be closed to those of us trapped in the UK once Brexit finally happens, but I assume that this is the case. I need to find out the exact situation…

Whether I can play a part in this campaign or not, I would like to pass on my best wishes and solidarity to all those involved with ENIL.

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In Brussels, 3 December 2019 – Today, disabled people all over the world celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Just one day after the new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, takes office, the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) highlights five key demands of Europe’s Independent Living movement for the new Commission. Rather than the usual words and promises about inclusion, we wish to see action in the next five years and new Commissioners that measure success by the positive impact that EU laws and policies have had on the lives of disabled people in Europe. 

ENIL, which marked its 30th Anniversary this year, suggests these five areas which  require  urgent action in the next 5 years:

[1] Ensuring that no private or public funds go towards institutional care services for children and adults with disabilities, such as group homes. Having launched the first case at the General Court in Luxembourg against the European Commission, for the use of European Structural and Investment Funds in Bulgaria, ENIL expects to see an end to investments that perpetuate the segregation and social exclusion of disabled people. Human rights abuses, such as those uncovered by Disability Rights International in group homes for children, have no place in 21st century Europe.

[2] Freedom of movement for disabled people within the European Union, but also in their own countries. Very little progress has been made in this area, and disabled people continue to be severely restricted in their choices of where to live. ENIL published a research paper with suggestions on how to move forward and give disabled people access to their right of free movement. One of the suggestions is to set up European information points about how to access the available support services and entitlements for disabled people in different Member States.

[3] The adoption of the new European Disability Strategy from 2020 onward, with concrete targets, timeline and budget, as well as an improved accountability framework, to ensure that Member States and EU institutions address the gaps in the CRPD implementation. Definitions of key terms, in line with the General Comment 5, on article 19, are crucial to avoid perpetuating social exclusion under the guise of community living. Independent living, and access to personal assistance, must remain at the heart of any future strategy.

[4] In line with the General Comment 7, on articles 4.3 and 33.3 of the CRPD, recognition of user-led disabled people’s organisations as key to ensuring that the newly adopted laws and policies address the barriers faced by disabled people. Whereas many stakeholders should have a say in decisions that affect disabled people, the lived experience of disabled people and their organisations must be prioritised over those of other interest groups and adequately funded.

[5] The Agenda 2030, with the Sustainable Development Goals, should be used by the EU institutions and Member States to mainstream disability within all EU policy areas, internal and external. Investing into inclusive education, employment, housing, health care and transport that is accessible to all must replace continued reliance on special service and facilities that keep disabled people on the margins of society.

[Photo: Participants in ENIL’s Freedom Drive protest in Brussels in October 2019. Taken by Enrica Laneri, Destination Everywhere.]

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The European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) is a Europe-wide network of disabled people, with members throughout Europe. ENIL’s vision is of Europe where all disabled people are able to exercise choice and control over their lives, on an equal level with others; where they are valued members of the community and can enjoy all of their human rights, as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). ENIL’s mission is to advocate and lobby for Independent Living values, principles and practices, namely for a barrier-free environment, provision of personal assistance support and adequate technical aids, together making full citizenship of disabled people possible. For more information, please see: www.enil.eu

Persons with Disabilities: 10 reasons to vote in the European elections

The following article has been written by the European Disability Forum and can be read via PDF by clicking here.

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“The EU? They are only bureaucrats. Why should I vote for them?” A question (statement?) that we are used to hearing again and again.

It is not true. The EU has a big impact in the lives of persons with disabilities. It has several initiatives that have directly improved, or that have led EU countries to improve, the lives of persons with disabilities.

The next elections for the European Parliament will take place 23-26 May (depending on the country). Here are ten reasons on why you should go and vote (if you are not one of the 800,000 citizens currently unable to vote due to discriminatory laws):

1. Because the EU fights for accessibility

EU institutions have been working hard to assure that both the physical and virtual world are more accessible for persons with disabilities. Public transport and public websites, among others, have become more accessible (for example, it obliges airports to provide assistance to persons with disabilities. It also obliges EU countries to make all new train stations accessible). The EU also recently agreed on a law that will make many products and services more accessible to us!

These laws, some of which then need to be put by EU counties into their national laws, have not only improved accessibility throughout the EU but also inspired some countries to go the extra mile.

Important to know: The laws the EU passes are “minimum standards”. This means that (unlike some people think) an EU law cannot reduce the rights you already have. For example, the EU obliges countries to make all new and refurbished train stations accessible, but of course Member States can also do more than that and include old stations in the law.

2. Because the EU protects you at work

In 2000, the EU passed a law that prohibits discrimination at work. This means that we are protected against discrimination when we work or have work-related training. It also means that employers need to adapt the work place to employees with disabilities.

While the situation is far from perfect, it is because of this law that you can go to court or ask the support of an anti-discrimination institution if, for example, you were discriminated when applying for a job, when you are fired from your job or when your employer refuses to grant you the adaptions needed to do your work.

3. Because EU money supports the inclusion of persons with disabilities

EU money helped Selina find her dream job in Austria. EU money funded Nicolas participation in a project between France and Spain, on the right to vote for persons with disabilities. It supports Greek persons with disabilities in living independently. It builds hospitals in Portugal. It is used to renovate houses and make them more accessible. Many Europeans are unknowingly supported by EU funds. In fact, despite their complaints, even the richest countries rely on EU money to support persons with fewer opportunities and at risk of exclusion. .

4. Because you can use your parking card in all EU countries

If you have a disability, you might be entitled to the EU parking card. This parking card is recognised in all EU countries and allows you to park in reserved spots all throughout the EU. This means that if you decide to travel or live in another EU country, you don’t need to apply for a disability parking card time and time again! A true example of “bureaucrats” reducing bureaucracy.

You can get your parking card from the relevant authority in the country you live in.

5. Because you can live in another country and still receive (some) social security benefits.

If you are an EU citizen, you can move to another EU country and still be entitle some social security benefits. For example, you can move to another EU country and keep your original old age pension. For disability benefits, it’s more complicated: you are entitled to disability allowances on the same level as a national of that country, but you have to apply for them and pass a new disability assessment process.

This is because, while the EU coordinates social security systems, some EU countries are still not totally on board: for example, a few weeks ago they denied new rules that would provide a more integrated system! This is why you need to vote and to vote for politicians that care about freedom of movement for persons with disabilities!

The positive impact of this assurance can sadly be seen by the negative impact that losing it brings: EU citizens living in the UK are in a limbo, not sure if they can receive their contributions after Brexit.

6. Because you can go to the hospital in another EU country

If you have an accident or are ill when visiting another EU country, you can go to the hospital or doctor under the same conditions as a national from that country, thanks to the European Health Insurance Card. That way, you don’t have to cut your travel short due to unaffordable health costs.

Attention: the Card cannot be used for planned treatment abroad.

7. Because of the EU Disability Card

Right now, if you visit another EU country, your disability documents may not be recognized due to a number of practical reasons (different formats, languages, assessment of what constitutes disability). The EU Disability Card, a project that is ongoing in 8 EU countries, will avoid all this by creating a card in the same format everywhere. This means that you can have access to discounted cultural and leisure services: museum, sports facilities, transport, etc.

While the card only exists in 8 EU countries, you can convince the EU to extend it to all the countries. How? By voting in May!

8. Because you can volunteer and/or study abroad – and get support for it.

The well-known ERASMUS+ programme, provides financial support to students that want to spend a semester or year in another EU country. This programme considers the extra needs of persons with disabilities: we are entitled to financial support to cover extra costs, such as the need for personal assistance or accessible housing.

The European Solidarity Corps is a programme that financially supports volunteering opportunities in another EU country.

9. Because 800,000 people want to vote but can’t

If all the above reasons didn’t convince you, maybe this one will: 800,000 Europeans cannot vote due to discriminatory laws that exclude them because of their disability. We need your vote to help change this.

10. Because we can fight better together

Can things improve? Definitely!

The EU can, and should, have more accessibility legislation. It can, and should, channel more funding for persons with disabilities. It can, and should, approve laws that protect us from discrimination in all areas of our life. This is why we need you to go out and vote! By voting, you are telling politicians that you want a Europe that cares about us, and that they should do more to achieve it.

Who to vote for?

We will not say “vote for this or that party”. What you can do is check the candidates that signed a commitment to disability. You can contact them and let them know that you will vote for them (also) because of that. If your favourite candidate is not on the list, easy: contact them and tell them to sign the pledge.

How to vote?

You can check European Parliament’s guide on how to vote in your country. To see for your country, selected your countries main language in the button on the top right of the website.

 

Pete Shelley Tribute: Day 3

On my Facebook page I am posting a week long tribute to the late, great Pete Shelley and I thought I would post these on my Blog as well so that as many people as possible can enjoy his music.

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Day 3 of my tribute to the late, great Pete Shelley and a focus on one of his solo songs. This was not only creative genius but also really brave to think about homosexuality back in 1981. According to Wikipedia, “Homosapien” is a song by Buzzcocks lead singer Pete Shelley. It was the first single from the album of the same title, released in 1981.

The single was a big hit in Australia and Canada, reaching the Top 10 in both territories, as well as being a modest hit in New Zealand. Although it failed to crossover to singles charts, it was a popular dance track in clubs across Europe and the United States and reached number 14 on the Billboard Club Play Singles chart.

The song was banned by the BBC for its “explicit reference to gay sex” with the lyrics “homo superior / in my interior”.

Fleet and Free by Joshua Billingham

On September the 23rd, I was darting around north Birmingham searching for the fibreglass owls that make up The Big Hoot trail. One I found was number 70: Fleet and Free by Joshua Billingham. THIS WAS THE FINAL OWL OF MY BIG HOOT TRAIL. MISSION COMPLETE.

Visit my Virgin Money Giving page and please give generously in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Joshua Billingham (a.k.a ‘Gent 48′) is an illustrator, graffiti writer and street artist from Birmingham. He studied visual communication at BIAD Birmingham University, receiving a first class degree.

As well as working as a freelance illustrator, he exhibits artwork and paints murals for all types of businesses and private homes.  His work consists mainly of imaginative characters and strange worlds.

He has worked and exhibited in many countries across the world, including Australia, Germany, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland, Finland and London. This summer, he is due to paint at a number of festivals across Europe and hopefully Tahiti – showcasing his spray painting skills.  He is the founder of the Birmingham ‘Graffiti Crew 48’ and also represents ID Crew London and SDM Crew Melbourne.

Visit my Virgin Money Giving page and please give generously in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital

G’owl’d by Temper

On September the 18th, I was racing around Birmingham City Centre searching for the fibreglass owls that make up The Big Hoot trail. One I found was number 89: G’owl’d by Temper.

Visit my Virgin Money Giving page and please give generously in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Temper, aka Arron Bird, is a successful and talented graffiti artist. After picking up a spray can at the age of 10, the Birmingham-based artist hasn’t looked back.

Growing up in Wolverhampton’s Eastside, Temper was involved in the emergence of graffiti just as the hip-hop culture that accompanied it was making its way from the US to UK shores.

Temper has developed a unique style of graffiti and conceptual art, which allows him to work in illustrative and free-hand ‘traditional’ graffiti, as well as exquisite figurative work reminiscent of the Old Masters.

In 2001 Temper was commissioned by global brand Coca-Cola to create the artwork for their drinks brand Sprite; resulting in art by Temper appearing on over 100 million cans and bottles around Europe in what was the biggest graffiti advertising campaign ever seen.

Evolving from the hip-hop and graffiti art culture which predominated his formative years, he continues to take inspiration from street art, popular culture, comic book art and music. Most importantly, he is inspired by his own experiences, ups and downs; his own journey continues to inform his art and ideas.

Website: www.temper.co.uk

Visit my Virgin Money Giving page and please give generously in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Re-Tail by Temper

On September the 19th, I was rolling around Birmingham City Centre searching for the fibreglass owls that make up The Big Hoot trail. One I found was number 31: Re-Tail by Temper.

Visit my Virgin Money Giving page and please give generously in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Temper, aka Arron Bird, is a successful and talented graffiti artist. After picking up a spray can at the age of 10, the Birmingham-based artist hasn’t looked back.

Growing up in Wolverhampton’s Eastside, Temper was involved in the emergence of graffiti just as the hip-hop culture that accompanied it was making its way from the US to UK shores.

Temper has developed a unique style of graffiti and conceptual art, which allows him to work in illustrative and free-hand ‘traditional’ graffiti, as well as exquisite figurative work reminiscent of the Old Masters.

In 2001 Temper was commissioned by global brand Coca-Cola to create the artwork for their drinks brand Sprite; resulting in art by Temper appearing on over 100 million cans and bottles around Europe in what was the biggest graffiti advertising campaign ever seen.

Evolving from the hip-hop and graffiti art culture which predominated his formative years, he continues to take inspiration from street art, popular culture, comic book art and music. Most importantly, he is inspired by his own experiences, ups and downs; his own journey continues to inform his art and ideas.

Website: www.temper.co.uk

Visit my Virgin Money Giving page and please give generously in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Blodeuwedd by Guy McKinley

On September the 14th, I was travelling around South Birmingham searching for the fibreglass owls that make up The Big Hoot trail. One I found was number 82: Blodeuwedd by Guy McKinley.

Visit my Virgin Money Giving page and please give generously in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

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Guy McKinley is an illustrator, concept artist, painter from Liverpool who has been involved in lots of diverse projects, relying on his strong character work.  He initially began (and continues) producing hand drawn and digital work used in editorials, pre-production concepts, character design and more commercial images for promotional and advertising campaigns.  More recently, he has also been taking part in live exhibitions and gallery shows with more personal paintings and illustrative work.

His work is featured in The Street Art Sketchbook by Tristan Manco.  He has exhibited his work all over the UK, Europe, the USA and has been commissioned to create work for clients including Disney, Carhartt, Adidas, New Balance, Diesel, Sprite (Coca-Cola), National Express, Becks, BBC and Walker Books.

Website: www.guymckinley.com

Visit my Virgin Money Giving page and please give generously in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.