Accessibility Strategy
PROJECTNUMBER: 101162241
TITLE: TRANSNATIONALUNITEDNETWORK INEUROPE
PROJECTACRONYM:TUNE
“Persons with disabilities have the right to have good conditions in the workplace, to live independently, to equal opportunities, to participate fully in the life of their community. All have a right to a life without barriers. And it is our obligation, as a community, to ensure their full participation in society, on an equal basis with others.”
1. Introduction
Commission President von der Leyen
The TUNE Network, under the auspices of the Erasmus+ programme, is committed to create an inclusive environment where all young individuals, particularly those with fewer opportunities, including persons with disabilities can participate fully and equally in society. This commitment is in line with the European Union’s comprehensive strategy on accessibility, which underscores the importance of removing barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. This paper outlines a detailed implementation plan for accessibility within the TUNE Network, focusing on digital accessibility, physical venue accessibility, funding strategies for accessibility initiatives and the use of inclusive language.
The objectives of this paper are threefold:
• To provide a comprehensive framework for implementing accessibility measures within the TUNE Network, ensuring that all digital and physical activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
• To highlight the importance of inclusive language and respectful communication, fostering a culture of dignity and equality.
• To present strategies for effectively allocating funds for accessibility initiatives, ensuring sustainable and impactful improvements.
This accessibility strategy not only benefits the TUNE Network but also serves as a model that can be applied to other civil society organizations. By adopting similar measures, these organizations can enhance their inclusivity, ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal access to
opportunities and can participate fully in their respective communities. Through this approach, the broader goal of a barrier-free society, as envisioned by the European Union, can be progressively realized, promoting equality, autonomy and the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life.
2. Definitions and EU Strategy on Accessibility
According to the European Union, accessibility is a precondition for participation in society and the economy on an equal basis with others. It is seen as essential for ensuring that persons with disabilitieshavethesame rights andopportunities as everyoneelse (European Commission, 2021). Disability is neither purely a biological nor a social construct but the result of interactions between health conditions and environmental and personal factors (WHO, 2001).
Disability can occur at three levels: impairments in body function or structure, activity limitations and participation restrictions. Impairments refer to issues with physiological or psychological functions. Activity limitations involve difficulties performing tasks or actions. Participation restrictions are problems engaging in life situations. Therefore, persons with disabilities include not only those traditionally seen as disabled (e.g., wheelchair users, individuals who are blind or deaf, or those with intellectual disabilities) but also those experiencing functional difficulties due to various health conditions like chronic diseases, severe mental disorders, multiple sclerosis and old age (World Health Organization, 2013).
The European Disability Strategy 2021-2030 builds on the values of equality, social fairness, freedom, democracy and human rights, as established by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. This strategy aims to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities by addressing ongoing barriers in healthcare, education, employment and political participation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the need for coordinated action at both national and EU levels, with a strong commitment from Member States to align their policies with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The strategy also stresses the importance of intersectional approaches, addressing specific barriers faced by persons with disabilities who are at the intersection of identities (gender, racial, ethnic, sexual, religious, mental health), or in a difficult socioeconomic or other vulnerable situation.
Accessibility is a critical enabler of rights, autonomy and equality for persons with disabilities. Over the past decade, the EU has implemented several acts to enhance accessibility across various domains, including theEuropeanAccessibilityAct andthe Web AccessibilityDirective(European Commission, 2021).
● European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The European Union has implemented several key legislative measures aimed at enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities. One of the cornerstone pieces of legislation is the European Accessibility Act (EAA), adopted in 2019. The EAA aims to harmonize accessibility standards across the EU, thereby facilitating the internal market for accessible products and services. This act covers a wide range of items such as ATMs, ticketing machines, banking services, e-books, e-commerce, and transportation services, ensuring that these are accessible to persons with disabilities (European Commission, 2024).
● Web Accessibility Directive
The Web Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2102) aims to make websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies more accessible by establishing common accessibility requirements. The primary goal of this Directive is to enhance the internal market's functioning by harmonizing the laws, regulations, and administrative provisions of Member States regarding the accessibility of these digital services. By setting clear and consistent standards, the Directive ensures that all users, particularly those with disabilities, have equal access to public sector digital services.
EU Member States must ensure that these digital services are "perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust," as outlined in the harmonized European standard EN 301 549 v3.2.1 (2021-03). Public sector bodies must regularly provide a detailed and clear accessibility statement detailing compliance with the Directive, including explanations for any inaccessible elements, accessible alternatives, reporting mechanisms for non-compliance, and links to complaint mechanisms. The European Commission's Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1523 establishes a model for this accessibility statement (European Union, 2016).
While the Web Accessibility Directive applies to websites and apps of public sector bodies, the EAA applies to the private sector and covers a wider range of products and services. However,
with regards to websites and mobile applications, the EAA has the same accessibility requirements as the Web Accessibility Directive.
3. Implementation Plan within the TUNE Network
The inclusive approach of the Erasmus+ programme, which is underpinned by a framework of inclusion measures, addresses the barriers faced by different target groups, including persons with disabilities. In line with Articles 8 and 10 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Articles 21 and 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, Erasmus+ actively promotes equality between men and women and combats discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation. The programmeaims to widenaccess fordisadvantagedandvulnerable groups andspecificallyaddress the special learning needs of people with disabilities.
Ensuring sound financial management and legal certainty while making the programme userfriendly and accessible to all participants is paramount to achieving these goals (European Commission,2013).TheTUNENetworkaligns with thisframework,providing accessibleformats of activities, additional financial support and support measures for young people with fewer opportunities. The TUNE Network ensures all activities comply with relevant EU Directives, identifying accessibility needs and allocating funds for accessibility initiatives to further promote equal access and participation.
3.1 Web Accessibility Guidelines
The TUNE Network incorporates comprehensive European Union guidelines to ensure digital content is accessible to all individuals, particularly those with disabilities. Following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, adopted by the EU in 2018, TUNE ensures accessibility menu of the TUNE website displayed contains the foundational principles of web accessibility:
1. Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways users can perceive. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content and ensuring that audio and video content has captions and transcripts.
2. Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable. This involves making all functionality availablefrom akeyboardandproviding usersenoughtimeto read and use the content.
3. Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable. This means making text readable and understandable, and providing input assistance to help users avoid and correct mistakes.
4. Robust: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
Accessibility should be considered a cross-cutting issue for all European programmes. It is suggested that accessibility-related projects be promoted within EU-funded programmes. A usercentered approach must be a requirement throughout the project life cycle, from ideation and design to prototyping and testing phases. This ensures the specific needs of various population groups, such as people with disabilities and the elderly, are taken into account. Additionally, the accessibility of websites associated with funded projects should be ensured in accordance with the EN 301 549 standard1 (Accessibilitech, 2023).
3.2 Physical Accessibility
● Standards for Accessible Physical Venues
To ensure that physical venues within the TUNE Network are accessible to all, particularly individuals with disabilities, TUNE has adopted several guidelines and best practices according to Inclusive Participation Toolbox (2022).
1. Location and Transport:
● Choose venues with accessible transport routes, including public transportation and accessible parking spaces near the venue entrance.
2. Entrance and Navigation:
● Ensure the main entrance is step-free and wide enough (at least 90 cm) for wheelchair access. Ramps should be available where necessary.
1 EN 301 549 is a European standard that specifies accessibility requirements for ICT products and services, ensuring they are usable by persons with disabilities. This standard is harmonized with the Web Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2102), which mandates accessibility for public sector websites and mobile applications. EN 301 549 extends the WCAG principles and includes additional requirements for hardware and software.
● Clearsignageand wayfinding shouldbeprovidedthroughout thevenue, withtactile guidance where possible. Information should be accessible to those with visual impairments and intellectual disabilities.
3. Interior Layout:
● Corridors should be at least 1.5 meters wide and free of obstructions to allow easy movement for wheelchair users.
● Elevators should be large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and should include audio and visual announcements.
4. Meeting and Event Spaces:
● Meeting rooms should be easily accessible, with adaptable seating arrangements to accommodate wheelchairs. Rooms should have good acoustics and even lighting to assist those with hearing and visual impairments.
5. Facilities:
● Accessible restrooms should be available on the same floor as event spaces, compliant with local accessibility standards.
● Dining areas should be accessible, with clear signage about food options.
6. Support Services:
● Hiring trained staff to assist people with disabilities can greatly enhance the accessibility of your venue, including accompaniment and interpretative services.
3.3 Allocating Funds for Accessibility Initiatives
Allocating funds for accessibility initiatives is crucial for creating an inclusive environment within the TUNE Network, which is funded under the Erasmus+ programme. Effective funding strategies involve identifying specific needs, prioritizing high-impact areas, and ensuring sustainable financial support for ongoing and future initiatives.
The first step in allocating funds is to conduct a thorough assessment to identify specific accessibility needs within the TUNE Network. This involves evaluating current infrastructure, digital platforms, and services to pinpoint barriers that prevent full participation by persons with
disabilities. Engaging with stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their representative organizations (OPDs), provides valuable insights into the most pressing accessibility challenges (European Commission, 2020).
Once needs are identified, the next step is to prioritize areas that will have the highest impact. Key areas of focus might include:
● Developing and maintaining accessible websites and mobile applications in line with standards such as EN 301 549.
● Providing assistive technologies and devices that enhance independence and participation.
● Hiring staff to accompany persons with disabilities.
By focusing on these high-impact areas, funds can be allocated effectively to create significant improvements in accessibility (European Commission, 2021).
Accessibility is not a one-time expense but an ongoing commitment. Ensuring sustainable funding involves integrating accessibility initiatives into the regular budgeting process and exploring diverse funding sources. This can include government grants, partnerships with private sector organizations, and fundraising efforts. Additionally, it is essential to monitor and evaluate the impact of funded initiatives regularly, making adjustments as needed to maximize their effectiveness (European Disability Forum, 2021).
3.4 Inclusive Language
When engaging with persons with disabilities, it is common to feel uncertain about the appropriate language to use. While caution is important to avoid offensive or stigmatizing language, it is equally crucial not to shy away from discussing disability or interacting with persons with disabilities due to fear of saying the wrong thing. To support inclusive and respectful communication, the TUNE Network has adopted the following strategy based on the Inclusive Participation Toolbox (2022):
1. Knowledge on Inclusive Language Inclusive language recognizes the dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their background. It avoids perpetuating stereotypes and discriminatory perceptions, such as gender stereotypes, and can help reduce colonial and racist attitudes. By promoting (self-)awareness and encouraging societal discourse about existing
inequalities, inclusive language plays a vital role in development cooperation and humanitarian assistance contexts.
2. Foundational Rules for Inclusive Language
● AvoidOveremphasizingDisabilityWhileadisabilityimpactsaperson'slife,itisnottheir defining characteristic. Factors like age, gender, cultural or ethnic background, interests, and preferences can be equally or more significant depending on the context and each individual.
● Use Direct Language Do not hesitate to use terms like ‘disability’, ‘impairment’, or ‘blind’. These words should be part of our vocabulary as they reflect the diversity in our society. If unsure about terminology, refer to the provided resources or even tactfully ask the person in question, so as to break any existing communication barriers and promote a healthy interaction.
● Respect Assistive Devices Recognize the importance of assistive devices in enabling participation and inclusion. Avoid sensationalist metaphors like ‘bound to a wheelchair’, which misrepresent reality.
● Avoid "Normal" Comparisons Terms like ‘normal person’ are inappropriate. Everyone, including those with disabilities, is normal in their own way. Statements comparing abilities to a so-called normal standard are unhelpful and discriminatory.
● Don't Link Disability with Suffering Disability should not automatically be associated with suffering. Each individual's experience is unique. Avoid language that victimizes or sensationalizes the person’s disability.
● Avoid Heroism Narratives Similarly, avoid narratives that portray persons with disabilities as heroic simply for living their lives. Achievements should be recognized without framing them as extraordinary due to a disability.
● Use Gender-Neutral Language Wherever possible, use gender-neutral terms. For instance, refer to individuals by their roles rather than their gender to promote.
4. Conclusion
The TUNE Network's comprehensive accessibility strategy is founded on established EU guidelines and directives to ensure full participation of persons with disabilities in all activities.
The strategy incorporates digital and physical accessibility measures, compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and adherence to the Web Accessibility Directive. This approach ensures that all digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, while physical venues are designed to be barrier-free, with accessible transport routes, entrances, navigation aids, interior layouts, and support services. The TUNE Network also prioritizes the allocation of funds for accessibility initiatives, ensuring sustainable financial support for ongoing and future improvements. Additionally, the adoption of inclusive language practices fosters a respectful and inclusive environment for all participants.
The TUNE Network envisions a future where all activities, whether digital or physical, are fully accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. By continuously integrating accessibility considerations into all stages of project planning and execution, from ideation to testing, the network aims to create an environment where persons with disabilities can participate on an equal basis with others. This includes promoting accessibility-related projects within EU-funded programs and ensuring that all websites and mobile applications associated with the network comply with the highest accessibility standards. The network's commitment to inclusivity extends to its communications, ensuring that all promotional materials and interactions are respectful and inclusive, reflecting the diversity of society.
The TUNE Network is dedicated to continuous improvement in its accessibility efforts. This involves regular assessments to identify specific accessibility needs, prioritizing high-impact areas, and ensuring sustainable funding for ongoing initiatives. By engaging with stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, the network gains valuable insights into the most pressing accessibility challenges and continuously adapts its strategies to address these issues effectively. The network also commits to ongoing training programs for staff and stakeholders to maintain a high standard of accessibility and inclusivity. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the TUNE Network ensures that its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity remains strong, creating a truly inclusive environment for all participants.
References
AccessibleEU. (2022). European Commission Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. Available at AccessibleEU Centre.
Accessibilitech. (2023). Policy Recommendations. Retrieved from https://accessibilitech.accessibilitas.es/wpcontent/uploads/2023/03/D4.2_ACCESSIBILITECH_ Policy-Recommendations_EN.pdf
European Commission. (2021). EN 301 549: Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services. Retrieved from http://accessible-eu-centre.ec.europa.eu
European Commission. (2021). Union of equality: Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030. Retrieved from http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0101
European Commission. (2024). AccessibleEU publishes the guide Getting to know the European legislation on accessibility. Retrieved from http://accessible-eu-centre.ec.europa.eu/contentcorner/news/accessibleeu-publishes-guide-getting-know-european-legislation-accessibility-202404-18_en
European Disability Forum. (2021). Resolution on the EU Artificial intelligence Act for the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.edf-feph.org
European Parliament and Council. (2016). Directive (EU) 2016/2102 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies. Retrieved from http://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32016L2102
European Union. (n.d.). Digital inclusion. Retrieved from http://digitalstrategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-inclusion
European Union. (2016). Directive (EU) 2016/2102 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies. EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=LEGISSUM%3A4314916
Inclusion Europe. (2021). Parliament’s new resolution for equal treatment in employment and occupation. Retrieved from http://www.inclusion-europe.eu
Inclusive Participation Toolbox. (2022). Inclusive Participation Toolbox.
World Health Organization. (2001). International classification of functioning, disability and health. Geneva: World Health Organization.
World Health Organization. (2013). Disability. Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA66/A66_12-en.pdf
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.