Assistance dogs are a core part of disability support
The European Commission has published its updated policy document, Enhancing the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities up to 2030, following the public consultation that took place earlier this year.
The European Guide Dog Federation (EGDF) is pleased to see that assistance dogs are now specifically referenced within the strategy.
While the mention appears only once within the document, it represents an important step forward. Recognition at European Union level helps reinforce the role that guide and assistance dogs play in supporting independence, accessibility, mobility and inclusion for persons with disabilities across Europe.
Read the European Commission document:
https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/ab0bcea9-6b3a-48c1-875c-1cc687fba6d0_en?filename=EC%20Enhancing%20the%20disability%20strategy%20up%20to%202030.pdf
The updated strategy follows extensive consultation with organisations, stakeholders and individuals across the disability sector. Earlier this year, EGDF encouraged guide dog users, member organisations and supporters to contribute to the consultation process and share their experiences.
The inclusion of assistance dogs demonstrates that these voices are being heard.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank @ANEC https://bit.ly/4vjNKfM and the @European Disability Forum (EDF) https://bit.ly/3RJXiT2 for their continued support in helping raise awareness of the important role assistance dogs play in ensuring independence, accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities across Europe.
Although this recognition is welcome, significant challenges remain. Guide and assistance dog users across Europe continue to face barriers relating to access, travel, accommodation and the consistent recognition of assistance dogs between countries.
For EGDF, this development represents an encouraging step rather than the final destination. We will continue working with European institutions, national governments, disability organisations and our member organisations to ensure that the rights and needs of guide and assistance dog users are fully recognised and protected.
Progress is often achieved one step at a time. Today, we celebrate an important one.
Support More Accessible Travel for Guide Dog Users
At the European Guide Dog Federation, we work to improve accessibility, influence policy, raise awareness and support the rights of guide dog users across Europe.
But real change requires continued advocacy, education and collaboration with transport providers, businesses and public authorities.
You can help support this work by sharing this article, raising awareness of accessibility barriers, challenging poor accessibility design, and supporting organisations working to improve inclusion for visually impaired people.
Help us build a Europe where guide dog users can travel safely, confidently and independently.
👉 Support EGDF’s work: www.egdfed.org