Improving conditions for Europeans with disabilities
The 'Free movement and equal living opportunities for all' (Livingall) project worked to set the stage for improving equal opportunities and free movement for people with disabilities in Europe. The EU-funded project’s approach resulted in a range of proposed means and tools with which to support the development of more effective policies, and to overcome obstacles and limitations. Project partners gathered information on national policies and action plans in Europe and published a report on the legalities of the situation under study. Other related activities led to a classification of technical measures supporting free movement and equal opportunities, and a report on the real situation and main barriers to the free movement of people with disability. A Livingall questionnaire was also developed to gather data to evaluate the use of free movement rights and barriers, based on a sample of 700 target individuals. Livingall’s production of a best practices guide encompassed information gathered and had the aim of supporting the rights of Europeans with disability. Based on the knowledge generated, specific recommendations were made to encourage stakeholders, such as associations and authorities, policymakers, mass media and the private sector, to step up related efforts. Project researchers succeeded in highlighting areas that still pose a challenge for Europeans with disability as regards their free movement and equal opportunities. Ongoing work in this area promises to deliver more effective solutions and bring about change for enhanced quality of life for this group of the EU population.
