Silke Wolf, EU kommissionen

Resume: Silke Wolf overbringer en hilsen fra EU-Kommissionen til den danske åbningskonference, der er starten på et stort program, der vil bringe forandring. Nye metoder skal bringes i anvendelse, både på regeringsplan og NGO-plan. Det skal sikre bedre deltagelse af handicappede på alle planer i samfundet.

Varighed: 00:02:25

Udskrift af Silke Wolfs tale:

Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen

Today offers an important opportunity to promote The European Year of People with Disabilities in Denmark. The European Commission has chosen to make the year a People’s Campaign organized by people with disabilities on behalf of people with disabilities. Many of the years activities will therefore happen at national, regional and local level including the important work being done in Denmark.

The year is about making a move forward in disability policies, about equal rights, empowerment and the full citizenship of people with disabilities allowing them the chance to achieve full integration.

I see the year as a start of a wide program for change, not simply raising awareness but sustaining it for the future. Not just drawing attention to all the many barriers people with disabilities face but by identifying ways to overcome these barriers as well as new ones.

Bringing in new approaches and methods putting positive and working policies into place and not just ending on 31 of december but lasting far beyond. The year will build on a strong alliance of non-governmental organisations, public administrations and corporate support. It will give a strong impetus for governments at all levels to set up long term goals, to develop new initiatives and to create a true barrier-free Europe.

For its part, the commission.intends to produce a communication on what should be done to follow up on the year and how best to address new challenges. Improved participation af people with disabilities into our society and the economy is essentially about changing attitudes with respect to disabilities. Every one will need to get onboard to make this a reality for 2003. And today will be a move forward to make it happen. I am very pleased that the European Commission was able to support this event today, and I look forward to hearing about the the different contributions that will be made.

I wish you every success with your activities here in Denmark
(applause)