Rehabilitation policies for the disabled

Motion for a Recommendation

Doc. 7865

1 July 1997

presented by Mr Alex Sceberras Trigona and others

1.Following Recommendation 925 (1981) and Recommendation 1185 (1992) it was decided to set up a European Social Area from which people with disabilities are not excluded.

2.Disability was defined as a restriction caused by physical, psychological, sensory, social, cultural, legal or other obstacles that prevent disabled people from becoming integrated and taking part in family life and the community on the same footing as everyone else.

3.It was recommended that society has a duty to adapt its standards to the specific needs of disabled people in order to ensure that they can lead independent lives. How far has this adaptation of standards taken place ?

4.It is important to have information and an accepted evaluation system to compare like with like. Forecasts appear as yet to be an unattainable luxury.

5. The valuable work of the Council of Europe must be brought to the attention of all member states and social affairs committees of the parliaments of all member states.

6.The Assembly therefore recommends that the Committee of Ministers, on the basis of the above, actively start preparations to establish pan-European minimum standards for equitable rehabilitation policies for the disabled on the basis of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH).

Signed: (1)

Sceberras Trigona, Malta, SOC

About, France, LDR

Belohorska, Slovakia, NR

Biga Friganovic, Croatia, SOC

Birraux, France, EPP

Cunliffe, United Kingdom, SOC

Err, Luxembourg, SOC

Etherington, United Kingdom, SOC

Frunda, Romania, EPP

Gusenbauer, Austria, SOC

Jonsson, Iceland, EDG

Jurgens, Netherlands, SOC

Lang, Croatia, NR

Pozza Tasca, Italy, LDR

Valkeniers, Belgium, LDR

Note: 1 SOC: Socialist Group

EPP: Group of the European People's Party

EDG: European Democratic Group

LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

NR: Not registered in any political group