|
This Update is also available in PDF Format (42kB).
|
|
EUD Members News |
Austrian bilingual childrens' book available online |
Anybody can now view the childrens' book "My Gate into the Deaf World" - which was published in 2004 - in Austrian Sign Language.
You can turn pages and view the whole book online, choosing written German, spoken German or the Austrian Sign Language video as your source.
"We are delighted to have extended our understanding of full access to the world of Deaf children and can now offer them something in their language!" says ÖGLB-President Helene JARMER.
See the online bilingual childrens' book for free: www.oegsbarrierefrei.at and click on "FÜR GEHÖRLOSE". |
Source: ÖGLB (Austrian Deaf Association) email
Table of Contents |
|
|
|
EUD News |
Call for Deaf Artists |
EUD wants to set up a database with information on Deaf Arts. EUD is compiling this information because the European Disability Forum (EDF) will celebrate its 10 th anniversary in 2007 and we think this event is a good opportunity to put Deaf arts in the picture.
So, if you are a Deaf artist or if you know about Deaf Artists, please send us details of their area of work and contact details to: info@eudnet.org.Please mention “Deaf Artists for EDF” in the subject line. Many thanks. |
Table of Contents |
|
|
|
EUDY News |
Empowerment Training Seminar for Young Deaf persons |
On 4-9 September 2006, Young Deaf persons from various European countries attended a seminar entitled “Empowerment Training for Young Deaf Persons”, which took place in Malta. The seminar was organised by the Deaf People Association of Malta in collaboration with the Maltese National Commission Persons with Disability (KNPD) and carried out with support of the European Community. The eight organisations that took part in this seminar were from Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Malta together with the European Union of the Deaf Youth.
The objective of this activity was to encourage the participants to develop a positive image of themselves while stimulating a positive political perspective on deaf liberation issues. The activity programme included both formal and informal meetings in which the participants discussed various issues related to their lives as Deaf people. The seminar also comprised leisure activities, which enabled the participants to get to know each other on a personal level.
Each organisation delivered a brief presentation on the services that are specifically provided for Deaf persons in their country. These presentations helped the participants to learn more about the way other countries deal with Deaf issues, thus making them recognise the similarities and the differences among the countries. One of the main highlights of this seminar was the meeting of the participants with the Maltese Prime Minister, in which the need of more sign language interpreters in Malta was discussed. The seminar also addressed the need to develop organisational, managerial and communication skills in order to maximise the work of the organisations. The participants had the opportunity to exchange knowledge about their countries’ cultures in the International Night during which different traditional dances, costumes and food were presented to the rest of the group.
The seminar has assisted the participants in acquiring new insights, skills and competencies. The ultimate goal is that the young leaders who participated in the seminar can pass on this expertise to the members of their respective associations, so that other Deaf persons throughout Europe can be encouraged to carry on with their quest of combating discrimination, while promoting equality at all levels of society.
For more information regarding the National Commission Persons with Disability visit www.knpd.org and more information regarding the Youth Programme can be found on www.youthmalta.org. |
Source: EUDY Newsletter November 2006
Table of Contents |
|
|
|
European Union News |
European Commission publishes work programme for 2007 |
The European Commission adopted its work programme for 2007. As the European Union prepares to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, the Commission has mapped out the concrete action it will take to meet its strategic objectives for 2007.
For the first time, the Commission identifies a series of 21 strategic initiatives that will be the main focus of its work in 2007. In addition, the Commission sets out a further series of priority actions to be adopted over the next 12 to 18 months. The work programme takes the better regulation initiative to a new phase, by identifying simplification initiatives and withdrawals of pending legislation, and includes a list of priorities for communicating with citizens for the first time.
The 2007 strategic priorities build on the four overall priorities for the BARROSO Commission: prosperity, solidarity, security, and a stronger voice in the world, and the “Citizen’s Agenda: Delivering Results for Europe” document adopted on 10 May 2006.
The priorities for concrete action in 2007 are to modernise the European economy and equip Europe with the capacity to respond to the challenge of globalisation. This will include a new phase in the action at EU level on the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs, a Single Market review and a comprehensive stocktaking of European society. The 2007 work programme also responds to the need for a better management of migration flows with specific proposals on economic immigrants and minimum sanctions for employers of illegally staying third-country nationals.
Energy will be at the top of the policy agenda in 2007 and the Commission will present the first Strategic Energy review for Europe. In parallel the Commission will put forward a Green Paper on options for climate change and the perspectives for international co-operation post-2012.
The Commission will also seek to provide value added by helping to make Europe a better place to live. A White Paper on health strategy will set out how the European level can contribute to health and a strategy will also be proposed in the field of social services and the contribution that can be made to better urban transport.
In 2007, impact assessment will be carried out on initiatives with the potential for significant economic, social and environmental impacts. The proposals put forward have been or are the subject of wide public consultation, to ensure that citizens and all interested parties are fully involved in the decision-making process. In line with the commitment taken vis-à-vis the European Parliament, the 2007 Commission Legislative and Work Programme for the first time fully integrates simplification initiatives and withdrawals of pending proposals. A list of priorities for communicating with citizens is also included for the first time. |
Source: EDF Weekly Mailing 29/2006
Table of Contents |
|
European Year of Equal Opportunities 2007 – European Year logo launched as final implementing bodies are confirmed |
The logo for the 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All has been revealed. The design – three figures side-by-side with the EU flag – is available in two different, vivid colour combinations, as well as in black and white for print. The logo and the guidelines for its use will soon be available for download from the Year’s website.
In total, 27 countries (the 25 EU Member States, Bulgaria and Romania) have confirmed their participation in the 2007 European Year. In 26 of the 27 countries, national implementing bodies have been appointed. These organisations, generally the ministry or government agency for equality issues in each country, are responsible for the Year at national, regional and local level. Contact your national implementing body to find out more about the Year in your country.
For more information: http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/equality2007/index_en.htm |
Source: EDF Weekly Mailing 29/2006
Table of Contents |
|
|
|
|
Deaf News around Europe and the World |
|
Kerry Deaf Adult Learning Project wins National Award |
Catherine WHITE (KDALP Project Co-ordinator), Willie WHITE (Manager KDRC and Joint Promoter of KDALP Project), Berndette WHITE (KDALP Student and Management Committee member) and Susan O'CALLAGHAN (KDALP Student and Management Committee member) beat off tough competition to collect the Award for Expanding Community Participation Category at the NALA Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Awards Ceremony. It was sponsored by the EBS and NALA, Flor MacCARTHY, RTE News Correspondent and Joe DUFFY were the hosts and helped present the awards also.
Congratulations and well done to the Kerry Deaf Adult Learning Project! They have really paved the way for Deaf Adult Education recognition in Ireland, in such a short time too, the award was well deserved - bravo and well done! |
Source: Email from Julianne Gillen
Table of Contents |
|
|
|
Other News |
International Day of Disabled Persons 2006 – E-accessibility |
Access to information and communication technologies creates opportunities for everyone in society, but perhaps no-more so than for persons with disabilities. No longer do the societal barriers of prejudice, infrastructure, and inaccessible formats stand in the way of participation. When available to everyone, information technologies foster individuals to reach their full potential, and for persons with disabilities it allows them to play their part in society’s development.
At the First World Summit on the Information Society in 2003, Governments expressed their commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society, where everyone can create, access, utilise and share information and knowledge. Despite the vision, many persons with disabilities remain unable to take full advantage of the Internet as most websites are: inaccessible to the blind and visually impaired, heavily dependent on using the mouse and training is often conducted in inaccessible formats and venues. As persons with disabilities are amongst the most marginalized in society, many do not have access to information technologies at all. Even those with access to information technologies may not be able to utilise them effectively, as available adaptive equipment cannot keep pace with innovation.
Persons with disabilities are at a considerable disadvantage by not being able to access information technologies. For instance, as education becomes increasingly dependent on information technologies, not being able to access the Internet for example limits the learning potential of persons with disabilities.
Several places already have legislation and regulations requiring websites to be fully accessible. At the international level, standards and guidelines on website accessibility are being developed. Once adopted and ratified, the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will require entities ensure that persons with disabilities can access information technologies. It specifies that measures should be introduced to eliminate obstacles and barriers to information and communications, and to promote access for persons with disabilities to information and communications technologies, including the Internet.
Making information technologies available to persons with disabilities is not only a matter of human rights, it also makes good business sense. Studies suggest that accessible websites appear higher up the page rankings of search engines and can save costs on web maintenance. It also allows companies access to a largely untapped customer base. Many websites, however, remain inaccessible for the visually impaired and the blind. A recent study of the FTSE 100 companies in the United Kingdom showed that around three-quarters of company websites did not achieve basic levels of accessibility. By not making their websites accessible, UK companies are forfeiting £80 billion in lost revenue.
The theme for this year’s International Day of Disabled Persons (3 December 2006) is accessibility to information technologies, and the day will be referred to as E-Accessibility Day. Through its efforts, and collaboration with others, the United Nations aims to raise appreciation among Governments, private entities and the public of the significant benefits to persons with disabilities and society when they are empowered with increased access to information technologies. |
Source: U.N Programme on Disability
Table of Contents |
|
“Statistics and Disability” is the focus of the Disability Intergroup meeting |
A Disability Intergroup meeting took place on 25 October 2006 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It was dedicated to statistics on disability and its significance to the well-being of disabled Europeans.
Giampiero GRIFFO of the Italian National Disability Council argued about the changing role of statistics on disability in the context of the shift of paradigm from medical to social / human rights model of disability. This results in the development of new statistics collection methods from relying purely on health information to including the data on level and quality of participation of persons in the community life. The speaker stressed the importance of mainstreaming statistics on disability beyond the health framework to include into ordinary statistics.
Professor Howard MELTZER (HM), representing the European Commission, presented the latest European initiatives on statistics on disability, including those aimed at separating health from disability in terms of functional limitations and working on the development of the European Health Interview Survey System (EHSS). The latter is part of a proposed regulation, which would cover public health and safety at work and establish the sustainable legislative framework on both areas.
The participants agreed that that involvement of disabled people in development of methodologies on statistics is crucial to success to the new approach. They also agreed on the importance of commonly accepted definitions, such as ‘accessibility’ and ‘functional abilities’.
The report is available on the Disability Intergroup website:
http://www.edf-feph.org/apdg/meetings_en.htm
The next meeting of the Disability Intergroup will take place on Wednesday 13 December in Strasbourg. It will be dedicated to the results of the feasibility study on the future of non-discrimination legislation with the participation of the European Commissioner SPIDLA in charge of Employment & Social Affairs
Another key-speaker of the event will be Yannis VARDAKASTANIS, President of the European Disability Forum, who will present the point of view of the European disability community regarding the anti-discrimination legislation in light of the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. |
Source: EDF Weekly Flash 30/2006 & EDF Weekly Mailing 31/2006
Table of Contents |
|
WASLI (World Association of Sign Language Interpreters) celebrates first birthday |
On 2 November 2005, WASLI was born in Worcester, South Africa. A Governing Document was agreed by representatives from around the world who had gathered to attend the Inaugural WASLI Conference.
Since then, WASLI has worked hard to make as many contacts around the world as possible and to let them know we now exist. Information has gone to all the known Interpreter Associations and contacts in countries which do not yet have an Interpreter Association.
The WFD has helped to get information to all the National Associations of the Deaf. WASLI is working with WFD to prepare a joint statement working with WFD to prepare a joint statement committing to work with each other. WASLI has already worked with WFD regarding International Sign interpreting provision at the 15 th World Congress of the WFD in Madrid 2007.
WASLI has a new WEBSITE www.wasli.org and produces a newsletter.
A report on the COUNTRY REPORTS presented in South Africa was completed. The WASLI 2005 Conference Proceedings is being published and will be available shortly. An article on the HISTORY OF WASLI will appear in the Sign Language Translators and Interpreters Journal which will have its first edition published in April 2007. |
Source: Email from WASLI
Table of Contents |
|
New Media Law in the Netherlands |
On the First of December 2006 a new Media Law will be started in the Netherlands, including subtitling of television programs. This new Media Law means that in 2010 the Public Broadcasters will have 95% of their (live) programs subtitled. Also the commercial broadcasters will have 50% of their programs subtitled by 2010.
This new Media Law does not hold for the three channels of the broadcaster RTL (Radio Television Luxembourg) because they are established in Luxembourg.
The new Media Law in the Netherlands is built up as follows:
Before 1 January 2008: at least 80%
Before 1 January 2009: at least 85%
Before 1 January 2010: at least 90%
Before 1 January 2011: at least 95%
And for the 7 Dutch commercial broadcasters:
Before 1 January 2008: at least 15%
Before 1 January 2009: at least 25%
Before 1 January 2010: at least 35%
Before 1 January 2011: at least 50%
The Dutch Council of Media oversees the percentages of subtitling by the 7 different broadcasters in the Netherlands. When one of them does not have this percentage they will be sanctioned.
The new Media Law in the Netherlands is a very big and important success for the organisations SOAP! SOAP is the cooperative between all organisations for deaf and hard of hearing people in the Netherlands. |
Source: Email from EFHOH (European Federation Hard of Hearing)
Table of Contents |
|
|
|
Forthcoming Events/Agenda |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Editorial note
EUD Update is published by EUD in English with support from the European Community – the European Union against discrimination.
The information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission, nor the official policy of EUD. The publication is for information only. Readers are invited to reproduce the information provided the source is quoted.
If you wish to receive EUD Update, please send us an email at: info@eudnet.org.
Should you wish to make any contribution or notify any e-mail address modification, please do not hesitate to contact the EUD secretariat, Fax: +32 9 225 08 34, E-mail: info@eudnet.org.
Editors: Mairead O'LEARY and Karin VAN PUYENBROECK. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
EUD, 29 Elsense Steenweg/Chaussée d’Ixelles #393/32, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel + 32 2 289 7036 - Fax +32 2 289 7037
|
Contact | Links |
|
|
|
