The statistical office of the European Union, Eurostat, shows that 27% of the EU population over 16 years of age might have some form of disability3. That equals 101 million people, or 1 in 4 adults in the EU. As approximately 80% of disabilities are non-visible, we estimate that there are close to 80.8 million adults living with a condition that is not apparent to others. These figures increase considerably if we also include children, although no data are available.
Unfortunately for people with non-visible disabilities, misunderstanding or insufficient knowledge can lead to discrimination and a lack of support when critically needed. Furthermore, passengers with non-visible disabilities may face challenges in communicating their needs and expectations due to societal stigma and the fear of being misunderstood or judged.
The main objective of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is to “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.”
At the European level, the legal framework for the protection of persons with disabilities and/or reduced mobility (PRM) when travelling by air is based on Regulation 1107/2006, the Interpretative Guidelines on the application of Regulation 1107/2006, ECAC DOC 30 and the European Accessibility Act.
Regulation EC 1107/2006 aims to ensure that disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility (PRM) are not discriminated against and have equal opportunities for air travel as non-disabled individuals.
ECAC DOC 30, Part 1, Section 5 provides guidance on how to assist persons with a disability and/or reduced mobility and disability, including persons with non-visible disabilities.
The European Accessibility Act consists of a Directive aimed at harmonising the accessibility requirements for certain products and services. This ensures that the EU’s internal market operates smoothly by eliminating and preventing any free-movement barriers that may exist because of divergent national legislation. It includes certain elements of air, bus, rail and water transport services such as websites, mobile services, electronic tickets and information.
We strongly encourage airport managing bodies, their stakeholders and their staff and to follow the principles established by the international and European legislation mentioned above and the guidance, standards and tools provided by the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the different European associations of persons with disabilities that you will find throughout this document.
The statistical office of the European Union, Eurostat, shows that 27% of the EU population over 16 years of age might have some form of disability3. That equals 101 million people, or 1 in 4 adults in the EU. As approximately 80% of disabilities are non-visible, we estimate that there are close to 80.8 million adults living with a condition that is not apparent to others. These figures increase considerably if we also include children, although no data are available.
Unfortunately for people with non-visible disabilities, misunderstanding or insufficient knowledge can lead to discrimination and a lack of support when critically needed. Furthermore, passengers with non-visible disabilities may face challenges in communicating their needs and expectations due to societal stigma and the fear of being misunderstood or judged.
The main objective of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is to “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.”
At the European level, the legal framework for the protection of persons with disabilities and/or reduced mobility (PRM) when travelling by air is based on Regulation 1107/2006, the Interpretative Guidelines on the application of Regulation 1107/2006, ECAC DOC 30 and the European Accessibility Act.
Regulation EC 1107/2006 aims to ensure that disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility (PRM) are not discriminated against and have equal opportunities for air travel as non-disabled individuals.
ECAC DOC 30, Part 1, Section 5 provides guidance on how to assist persons with a disability and/or reduced mobility and disability, including persons with non-visible disabilities.
The European Accessibility Act consists of a Directive aimed at harmonising the accessibility requirements for certain products and services. This ensures that the EU’s internal market operates smoothly by eliminating and preventing any free-movement barriers that may exist because of divergent national legislation. It includes certain elements of air, bus, rail and water transport services such as websites, mobile services, electronic tickets and information.
We strongly encourage airport managing bodies, their stakeholders and their staff and to follow the principles established by the international and European legislation mentioned above and the guidance, standards and tools provided by the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the different European associations of persons with disabilities that you will find throughout this document.
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