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They are about 80 million people who do not have the opportunity to participate fully in society and the economy because of environmental and behavioral obstacles.

The poverty rate of people with disabilities is 70% higher than average, partly because their access to employment is limited (as defined in the UN Convention, the term disabled means individuals who have physical disabilities , mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others). It is all the more urgent to act as the economic downturn has had a negative impact on the situation of disabled people.

The "Europe 2020" strategy aims to improve the lives of people and bring greater benefits to society and the economy, without subjecting the industry and the administration to undue stress. The overall objective of this strategy is to allow people with disabilities to exercise all their rights and to take full advantage of their participation in society and the European economy, particularly through the single market. The strategy focuses on removing barriers faced by disabled people. The Commission has identified eight key areas: accessibility, participation, equality, employment, education and training, social protection, health and external action. Accessibility means the opportunity for those with disabilities to access, as well as others, the physical environment, transportation, technology and information systems and communication and other facilities and services. Significant barriers exist in these areas. For example, on average, only 5% of public websites of the EU-27 fully meet accessibility standards.

www.europarl.europa.eu/en

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