Establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities

The European Students Union welcomes the proposal of a European Disability Card and thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to give feedback. We believe in equal access to higher education and that all students should be able to move freely and study their chosen subject anywhere in Europe.

The European Parking Association (EPA, https://www.europeanparking.eu/) welcomes the publication by the European Commission (EC) on 6th September 2023 of its Proposal for a Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities (the Proposal). The Proposal will enhance the European Parking Card (EPC).

The Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) welcomes the work of the European Commission to propose the creation of a European Disability Card that will be recognised in all Member States and that will make it easier for persons with disabilities to move freely from one country to another in the European Union.

Inclusion Europe feedback on proposal EU Disability card. Summary of feedback: The proposal is strong as it is binding legislation, respectful to people's privacy and complementary to national disability cards. Additions that Inclusion Europe would propose: 1. The EU Disability card should also cover long term stay in another EU country and cover social security and assistance sectors and the medical system. 2.

Mental Health Europe is the largest European independent network representing associations and individuals in the field of mental health, including users of mental health services, professionals, service providers and volunteers.

POLIS welcomes the highly expected and much needed proposal for a directive for the European Disability Card for persons with disabilities. POLIS - network of 120 local and regional authorities for innovation in mobility, focuses on these aspects in the proposal. Most POLIS members have a competence in parking, making this aspect an important issue of concern.

The ONCE Social Group welcomes the legislative proposal launched by the European Commission on the European Disability Card as a step forward in ensuring real freedom of movement of persons with disabilities in the EU and equal access on preferential terms to services provided for persons with disabilities.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

ADAC e.V. is a non-economic association whose primary task is to promote and maintain the mobility of its members. Assistance, advice and protection after breakdown, accident and illness describe the core of the activities. ADAC shows a high level of commitment to road safety and education.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Pearle*-Live Performance Europe welcomes in general the Commissions initiative to improve mobility for disabled persons. As part of the cultural sector, our members who are organisations and companies in the music, performing arts and live event sector, are committed to providing access to culture and to inclusion.

EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe welcomes the proposal for a Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities, as well as the complementary proposal extending the Directive to third country nationals legally residing in a Member State.

Autism-Europe (AE) is convinced that the European Commissions proposal for the European Disability Card is landmark for the disability movement in Europe. Alongside EDF, AE has been advocating for such a card for more than a decade. Therefore, AE welcomes this crucial step forward to improve the free movement of persons with disabilities and the mutual recognition of the disability status across Europe.

The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) is an independent social security institution under the Finnish Parliament. Finland has participated in the EU Disability Card piloting project and has thus participated in the EU Disability Card project as a recipient of applications and verified whether the applicant has a decision authorising the card to provide a service, benefit or support.

Filed in Finnish · English published by the European Commission

The EDC is a 'descendant' of the proposal of the Belgian Disability Forum (BDF) for the development of a European disability card dating from 2009. The current Commission proposal therefore almost fully meets the requirements set at the time. Thus, the BDF and all the disability advisory councils in Belgium are very pleased to welcome the proposal!

The European Observatory on Non-Discrimination and Fundamental Rights stands resolutely alongside the European Union in its quest to create a more inclusive and accessible continent for all. The European Observatory on Non-Discrimination and Fundamental Rights expresses its full support for the initiative of the European Commission aimed at setting up a European disability card in order to promote the travel of…

STRONG POINTS OF THE PROPOSAL: The proposed legal instrument is a directive, i.e., a legally binding instrument, which is necessary given that the 1998 EU Council recommendation on the parking card and the pilot project on the disability card have had limited scope and results.

First of all, we would like to underline that our initial reception of the proposal is very positive. The proposal will result in binding legislation for both Cards. For many years EDF has campaigned for the European Disability Card, and we, and our extensive membership took part in the policy development process till now; most priorities we highlighted have been included in the proposal.

The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) welcomes the Commissions proposal for a directive establishing an EU Disability Card (EDC). EUD has been a longstanding supporter of the EDC initiative and sees it as a significant step towards fulfilling the rights of deaf people to the freedom of movement in the EU.

The CERMI movement welcomes this legislative initiative, which responds to a historical demand of great importance in the European disability agenda: to guarantee the enjoyment of free movement by people with disabilities on equal terms with other people. This is one of the foundations on which the European Union has been built, but which has so far been denied to people with disabilities.

CALL FOR EVIDENCE FOR ARES DIMPACT ANALYSIS: (2022) 8094054 name OF theEuropean Disability Card initiative 1 On the merits of a European Disability Card It is important that the rights of persons with disabilities are recognised throughout the European territory. The non-recognition by some States creates unequal treatment depending on the geographical location in which they belong.

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Position ANWB The EU parking card for people with disabilities could be improved in a number of ways. Countries in Europe that no longer have the model should introduce or recognize it. Main points of attention are: 1. (Pre)information on privileges in different countries should be made more accessible and parking enforcement officials should have more knowledge of foreign cards. 2.

The European Network on Independent Living ENIL welcomes the European Commissions Proposal for a Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card (2023/0311 (COD). Both cards will reduce barriers to tourism and travelling for disabled people, improve access to the freedom of move-ment and reduce discrimination.

European Down Syndrome Association (EDSA) with 28 members in 21 EU countries welcomes initiative to establish the European Disability Card. Persons with Down Syndrome and their family travel more and more across the Europe as tourists. Also some families migrate from one EU country to another. Young people with Down Syndrome are involved in ERAMUS+ projects and mobility is part of their life.

The Association Without Borders – the Polish Hearing Implanters’ Association and a member of EURO-CIU – the European Association of Snail Implants Users, asks the Commission to take into account the comments on the Commission Work Programme, the Conference on the Future of Europe and the Commission for the Future of Europe.

Filed in Polish · English published by the European Commission

The Federation Autismo FESPAU as an active member of the Spanish disability movement, represented by CERMI and the CERMI movement, would like to ask you to address the issues set out in the attached document concerning the European Disability Card.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

CESI generally welcomes the envisaged initiative of the European Commission to introduce a new European Disability Card, as outlined in its Call for Evidence roadmap of November 23 2022, in order to promote persons with disabilities right to free movement and residence across the EU by facilitating the mutual recognition of disability status for national card holders within the EU.

The European Students Union represents around 20 million students through our member unions in 40 countries across the European Higher Education Area. We welcome the initiative of a European Disability Card. It will support equal access to a wide range of services for persons with disabilities across the European Union. The card has the potential to support the mutual recognition of disability status across Europe.

Herewith the collected feedback from the institutions that issue the European Disability Card (EDC) in Belgium: the Federal Public Service Social Security, the Flemish Agency for Persons with Disabilities (VAPH), the Agence pour une Vie de Qualité (AviQ), the Service Personne Handicapée Autonomie Recherchée (PHARE) and the Dienststelle für Selbstbestimmtes Leben (DSL): Support The EDC card is regarded as a highly…

We agree with this important political strategy adopted by the European Community to fully activate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in its policies. This strategy aims to recognise disability status among acceding countries. Finding joint action in this project between all the countries of the Community is crucial and strategic in order to develop and share a culture of inclusion within them.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

We welcome the opening of the procedure to establish a European Disability Card. We call for a Disability Card that allows for mutual recognition of disability status across EU countries and is accepted by all services offering preferential conditions or adaptations to persons with disabilities, whether provided by public or private entities.

The European Disability Card has appeared in several translated documents, including in Portuguese, such as the European Disability Card. An example of this translation is the version of this public consultation. This name is incorrect and could appear as a mere translation error, however, it should be rectified as soon as possible and indeed becomes a European Disability Card.

Filed in Portuguese · English published by the European Commission

The EU Disability card can be applied to improve the life quality of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Inclusion Europe joins the European Disability Forums (EDF) call for an EU Disability Card that allows for mutual recognition of disability status across EU countries and is accepted by all services offering preferential conditions or adaptations to persons with disabilities, whether…

EUD welcomes the European Commissions initiative to establish the European Disability Card. Besides the benefits that the Card can grant to persons with disabilities in the sectors of culture, sports and leisure, the Card must facilitate the right to freedom of movement for persons with disabilities in the EU, which is still denied to many deaf persons in the EU.

The International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) welcomes the initiative of a European Disability Card. Addressing the barriers which persons with disabilities encounter when exercising the right to freedom of movement is vital.

While not every instance of a Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) results in disability, RMDs comprise the largest cause of physical disability in the EU and account for over 50% percent of Years Lived with Disabilities (YLDs) in Europe. Unfortunately, people do not associate RMDs with disability because the cause of disability is often invisible.

In their own country, there are not so many like-minded people who can meet. Deafblind and deaf people are scattered all over the world, so they arrange and meet regularly abroad. Especially for the voluntary work of the mentioned group the European Disability Card is a great relief for the regular planning and realization.

Workers with disabilities should be granted the transfer of entitlements of support service when moving to another EU country: this is essential to ensure free movement and equal opportunity to work. The card should facilitate the transition when moving to another EU Member State for work.

The ONCE Social Group suggests that the European Disability Card should be regulated by means of an EU regulation, which is the highest regulatory status of EU provisions, excluding other lower-level media such as the Directive.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

CAFE supports the expansion of the European Disability Card. This will help remove barriers for disabled spectators in accessing live sports events across Europe. Through our work, we have already seen the benefits of the pilot scheme in allowing disabled cardholders to request accessible ticketing and services at sporting events, both in their home countries and internationally.

DH believes that the European Disability Card is a very important initiative that will help ensure that people with disabilities can participate, contribute and be part of the cross-border community in the EU. The map will remedy the current lack of recognition of disability status across EU countries. This will make it easier for people with disabilities to travel in the EU.

Filed in Danish · English published by the European Commission

DFI welcomes the start of the procedure to create an EU Disability Card. We believe that the creation of this card would be an important step in opening up true free travel within the EU to many people with disabilities, both in Ireland and around the EU. Given the importance of the right to free travel and free movement, this is also an important step to equality for EU citizens with disabilities.

The problem with the current composition/elaboration of the current EDC card is in fact that there are no ECHTE rules/expectations. As a result, only 90 % of the participating countries in Belgium say that the EDC card is misused if this enhanced promotion takes place.

Filed in Dutch · English published by the European Commission

As a general principle Pearle* supports for all people to have access to culture, but underlines the need to be realistic about achieving those goals. For the live performance, regardless of the fact that as a general principle we acknowledge the importance for all people to be able to access culture, this can only be realised when it is accompanied by a targeted policy and related funding to deploy a wide range of…

European Federation of Hard of Hearing People ( EFHOH) welcomes the initiative and the opening of the process to establish a European Disability Card. We also welcome positive outcome of the pilot project. EFHOH calls for an EU Disability Card that allows for mutual recognition of disability status across EU countries and is accepted by all services offering preferential conditions or adaptations to persons with…

The Directorate for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030 (Spain) considers that the European Disability Card is essential as a form of mutual recognition between the Member States that contributes to the cross-border mobility of persons with disabilities in the European Union and, therefore, to their social inclusion.

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The European Network on Independent Living welcomes the initiative to introduce a European Disability Card. The European Disability Card must not only facilitate, but legally and de-facto achieve the mutual recognition of disability status between EU Member State. Disability status granted anywhere in the EU must be automatically recognised by the Member State in which a disabled person takes up residence.

The mutual recognition of a European disability card for mobility should ultimately make it easier for the staff dealing with passengers to welcome and assist passengers from different Member States. For this to happen, some pre-conditions need to be fulfilled. In growing and increasingly fast-paced cities, access to public transport is a key factor of mobility and social inclusion.

Many people who are disabled do not have visible disabilities (www.neurodiversity.be), but the fact they are unseen does not make the disability less important. It is very difficult for many people with invisible cognitive disabilities to apply for a disability card in the first place as they find it hard to complete administration.

EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe welcomes the procedure to establish a EU Disability Card and would like to offer the following input, to contribute to the inclusion of all voices of the disability community in the future Card: We call for a EU Disability Card that allows for mutual recognition of disability status across EU countries and is accepted by all areas of services which offer preferential conditions to…

As a regional representation of the interests of people with disabilities, we consider the introduction of such an EU card for people to be a naturally necessary step towards greater participation in Europe. The (voluntary) pilot between 2016 and 2018 in Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Malta, Romania and Slovenia in the areas of culture, leisure, sport and transport has clearly highlighted the added value…

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The legislation in Portugal currently mandates that a person is only considered disabled by law if they go through assessment and have more than 60% of disability. This brings several problems for the EU Disability Card. 1. Waiting lists are big, and some people are waiting more than 2 years to receive their disability assessment. Data on the process is scarce and the government do not share waiting lists.

The contribution of the Associative Movement of the Spanish Cerebral Federation to the European Commission’s public consultation on the European Disability Card ___ Introduction The Spanish Cerebral Daño Federation, representing the Acquired Cerebral Daño Associative Movement, welcomes the fact that the European Commission is promoting this legislative initiative, which has long been called for and proposed by the…

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

We observed the pilot test of the European Disability Card carried out in 8 countries. Italy could not be missing and we very much appreciated the presence of our country in such a notable mission. Our company’s position is in favour of introducing this system because we believe it is a right to travel between Member States with the protections of the country of origin recognised.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

The European Disability Card should become a tool for genuine socio-cultural integration, independent living and enjoyment of the inalienable human rights of citizens with disabilities in the European Union. The project should be redesigned in such a way that its actions benefit all citizens with disabilities, regardless of the form and degree of disability, and are compatible with the human rights-based approach…

Filed in Greek · English published by the European Commission

As a ‘Soccorso’ mutual association, we are close to those citizens who live in a different condition, fighting with red tape every day, limiting opportunities and architectural barriers. We believe that the tool of the European Disability Card is a necessary value in order to complete a path that requires full integration, as well as the possibility of having your rights recognised in EU Member States.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

CERMI welcomes the fact that the Commission is promoting this legislative initiative, which has long been called for and proposed by the European and national disability movement, in particular from Spain. The European Disability Card should enable persons with disabilities to enjoy on an equal basis the free movement of persons, one of the essential elements of the EU.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

We are in favour of extending the rights of citizens with disabilities so that their rights are recognised throughout Europe. We are pleased to learn that Italy is among the “pilot” countries of the project together with Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Romania, Malta, Slovenia, which have tested, on a voluntary basis, the use of the card as a recognition system.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

In some countries, the legal status of a person with disabilities recognises as rights-holders those who, having physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, have been recognised as having a degree of disability expressed in percentages on the basis of unified technical criteria, fixed by means of scales, established in the regulatory regulations classifying the disability status into grades according to…

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

bonjour, étant une personne à mobilité réduite (pmr) et ayant une maladie neuro-musculaire "myopathie" je vote pour cette carte européenne du handicap qui peut être très utile pour les personnes comme moi en espérant que les députes européen voteront favorablement merci par avance

Cochlear Implant Users position on the: EUROPEAN DISABILITY CARD December 2022 EURO-CIU, the European Association of Cochlear Implant Users, asks the Commission Work Programme, Conference on the Future of Europe, and the Employment and Social Affairs Commission, to consider the position of Cochlear Implant Users concerning the European Disability Card: - When their devices are turned off, cochlear implant users are…

Autism-Europe (AE), an international association representing autistic people and their families with 90 members in 40 countries, welcomes the EU Disability Card. The 2021 Commission feasibility study found the EU Disability Card to be effective. The pilot card scheme has introduced a mutual recognition of disability status across the participating EU Member States.

For the Spanish Confederation of Deaf Families, FIAPAS, the largest platform for representing deaf families in Spain, the creation of a European Disability Card will be very positive for the mobility of persons with disabilities within the European Union and will allow them to access the preferential conditions of access to the various services as set out in the proposal.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

UNIABILITY Association for persons with disabilities in academic institutions in Austria Students and teachers with disabilities are among the most underrepresented groups in ERASMUS+ and other mobility programs.

The European Disability Card initiative is welcome as it would be an important step towards promoting the mobility of persons with disabilities and the equal enjoyment of rights in any Member State of the European Union.

Filed in Latvian · English published by the European Commission

Railway companies are continuously keen to improve the travel experience of people with reduced mobility or passengers with disabilities. That is why CER Members are ready to recognize a potential EU wide European Disability Card, provided existing Public Service compensations apply for national citizens and agreed by the competent authorities no matter if they travel on domestic or international routes.

Hello, In order to improve the EU-wide map, we need to work mainly on 3 criteria: — A European database of persons recognised as having a disability and their country of origin – A single card indicating parking and/or priority status – A chip system affiliated to the database with a match between the number of the card and that of the person recognised as having a disability, in particular during parking checks.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

The introduction of a European Disability Card recognising the status of PRM between countries without leading to harmonisation of the definition seems to be a good initiative allowing PRMs to enjoy many benefits and not to suffer discrimination outside their country of origin. Today, the main problem is the way in which this card is issued.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

European Disability Card Submission by Voice of Vision Impairment Ireland (VVI) 1. Introduction to VVI. VVI is Irelands Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) specialising in the defence of and campaigning for the Human Rights of visually impaired people (i.e., people who are blind or partially sighted).

The creation of a European Disability Card will greatly facilitate the creation of a European Disability Card. In particular, reductions in public transport are needed. This will make travel easier and reduce the costs of disabled tourists, who usually pay double costs for themselves and accompanying persons. However, the card itself will not be useful if we do not know what relief we are entitled to.

Filed in Polish · English published by the European Commission

The Belgian Disability Forum (BDF) is the largest forum for associations representing persons with disabilities in Belgium. The BDF welcomes the fact that its proposal for a European Mobility Card from 2008 will finally become a reality with the presence of the European Disability Card (EDC) in all Member States.

Filed in Dutch · English published by the European Commission

The Swedish National Heritage Board is Swedens central administrative agency in the area of cultural heritage and museums. Our assignment includes ensuring that the cultural heritage is preserved, utilized and developed. Cultural heritage protection and management in Sweden also aims to empower cultural heritage as a force in the evolution of a democratic and sustainable society.

The European Blind Union (EBU) strongly supports the European Commissions initiative of a legislative proposal for EU-wide Disability Card (hereafter the Card) in 2023 to ensure the free movement of people with disabilities in the EU.

Swedish Agency for Accessible Media, MTM, is a knowledge center for accessible reading. We also produce and distribute literature, newspapers and periodicals in accessible format to persons with reading impairments. We actively participate in the development of accessible media and promotes the accessibility of others in relation to news, literature and information from the public sector.

At airports, the card is recognised in varying degrees. Helsinki-Vantaa received transport to the right terminal, while in Frankfurt only berths were buried. The deaf wonders whether the card is really useful. In practice, for example, if a deaf person is hit by a crash or an incident, and while ambulance staff are looking for a wallet, they are looking for a driving licence, identity card or reel card showing…

Filed in Finnish · English published by the European Commission

The Department of Disability Affairs under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter ‘the Department’) took note of the call for information published by the European Commission on the impact assessment on the European Disability Card. This call was also forwarded to 26 non-governmental organisations with disabilities.

Filed in Lithuanian · English published by the European Commission

1. Overview Alzheimer Europe supports the introduction of a European Disability Card. We believe that such a measure has the potential to address some of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities across Europe, including persons living with an invisible disability, such as dementia.

EDF welcomes the opening of the procedure to establish a European Disability Card. This idea emerged from the disability movement and has been a high priority ever since our Freedom of Movement campaign in 2011. The pilot project showed its feasibility and the opportunities it can bring.

We believe that the EU project card for persons with disabilities should be merged into one single European disability card.Priorly due to issuance costs and universality.We propose that the Eu card be a digital card in accordance with the Basic Act regulating electronic signatures in accordance with the EIDAS Regulation. It is a regulatory framework, which each EU member must define in its own by-laws.

Filed in Croatian · English published by the European Commission

The EU disability card is an opportunity for people with disabilities to access various services across the EU like they would in the home country. We have receieved many questions about the availability and options on receving one. It is important to get the discounts and services needed. It is very well expected and welcome for people in Estonia as well as elswhere. We´re hoping to see the EU disability card soon!

Mental Health Reform (MHR) is Irelands leading national coalition on mental health. Our vision is of an Ireland where everyone can access the support they need in their community, to achieve their best possible mental health. We drive the progressive reform of mental health services and supports, through coordination and policy development, research and innovation, accountability and collective advocacy.

The International Card is essential for people with disabilities who are travelling. For example, for students with disabilities Each country has its own procedures where they can give a discount if you present a disability document. However, when you arrive in another country, your original document is no longer valid and people with disabilities can benefit from the discounts they are entitled to.

We see the proposal for a European card of this kind beneficial for EU Member States not only in terms of harmonising the rules to favour eligible applicants and holders in the field of transport, tourism, etc., but also for mobility and accessibility as a separate area, as EU countries will be forced to align rules and implement EC directives and regulations in their own environments.

Filed in Slovak · English published by the European Commission

Hello Cis a wonderful idea of creating a map that is useful to anyone with disabilities. For my part, I propose, in the framework of Interreg, the creation of a European map for all places of travel (accommodation, culture, space.) adapted to all types of disability. For example, people with disabilities can travel anywhere in Europe in tourist places and accommodation labelled with any disability.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

There are multiple instances where people with disabilities travel to other EU country to work or for education purposes. Then they encounter a lot of obstacles to get necessary support. European disability card would improve this situation. EDF has put position paper with all the right arguments. Hope this initiative will go forward.

I find an EU Disability Card great. Maybe Switzerland is still participating? However, the procedure here for consultation is cathastrophic. No lane of barrier freedom. There is no wonderful participation in it by so few people. This would be even more urgent than the card itself to make it accessible for participation. Welcome to the EU! Your Sylvia Momsen The Hercuft Countries are not alphabetical.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

The card will only be useful – if a single definition of disability is adopted by the 27. whether it ensures portability of rights – if it is equivalent to a European parking card – if it is NOT written in English. — if the information is sufficiently provided to ALL actors.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

We have not yet done so, because we travel little and we are unable to attend museums. There will certainly be additional services to be added, and there are still many museums in Italy that do not recognise it. Many parents do not know what it is and what it serves. However, I believe it is very useful to standardise a card such as this, valid for any European country.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

The European Disability Card should also cover the private economy and its services. For example, it is very helpful for tourists with disabilities to know which private sector operators they can use in another EU country (presumably cheaper). Against this background, a website and an app with all the benefits within the EU would be very helpful.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

I consider the European Disability Card to be a very important project to enable people with disabilities to benefit from benefits in all EU countries, for example, it is no longer possible for a person who needs to have a seat on local public transport to be refused, just because nothing in the German severe disability card, for example, can be read Czech and the European Disability Card will be uniform, and it is…

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

The European Disability Card is long overdue. It allows EU citizens with disabilities who are outside their country of origin to receive assistance (e.g. free travel on LPT, accompanying persons, use of special parking spaces). This is currently very limited or impossible.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission