Doc. 8409

7 May 1999

Discrimination against disabled persons who wish to travel by air

Written Question No. 380

by Mrs Squarcialupi

Having regard to the fact that Mr Roberto Vitali, an official of the information centre on the autonomy and independence of disabled persons of the municipality of Ferrara (Italy) was unable to take part in the colloquy, to which he had been invited, on new optical technologies for an independent life, held in Eindhoven (Netherlands), because the airline KLM refused in writing to issue him with a ticket for the flight Amsterdam-Eindhoven, even though he had given advanced notice of his condition, because this airline does not accept on internal flights passengers with motor disabilities who cannot walk, unless they have someone accompanying them,

      Mrs Squarcialupi,

      To ask the Committee of Ministers to report on the severe discrimination which disabled persons who wish to travel by air continue to suffer, which prevents these persons from living a normal life and exercising their occupation or profession.

Signed:

Squarcialupi, Italy, SOC