Press Release: Commission acts to improve access for the disabled at the workplace.

Upon a proposal of Anna Diamantopoulou, Commissioner for disability policy, the Commission adopted a communication on 15.5.00, which is intended to build the framework for improving access for the disabled at the workplace and beyond. The Communication outlines key objectives which the Commission believes the European Union should pursue in order to improve access in every sense for the disabled and hence to promote full participation for all Europeans living with disabilities.

In addition, the Commission will propose to the Council that the year 2003 be declared as the European Year of Disabled Citizens in order to promote society's awareness of disability issues and to provide a catalyst for the introduction of new policies in this regard at all levels of governance.