Disability and Ageing: need for an intersectional approach
Looking at the current frameworks surrounding ageing and disability, our Human Rights Manager Nena Georgantzi, noted that disability has specific legal references and policies to rely on, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the European Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In contrast, despite some international plans of action, there is no specific policy framework for ageing at the EU level. Nena added that accessibility infrastructures should be applied to ageing contexts too. She pointed out that the concept of accessibility under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is based on the social or human rights model of disability, focusing on addressing societal barriers. Nena also highlighted the need to recognize the intersectionality of age and disability and the importance of applying the CRPD standards to older persons with disabilities.
Ensuring effective access to physical and digital environments
In a panel dedicated to the built environment, Julia Wadoux, our Policy Manager on Healthy Ageing and Accessibility, stressed the significance of accessibility in various aspects of life, including in the digital sphere. Julia also highlighted the importance of linking accessibility to affordability and availability.
Involvement of end users
In the second and last panel on mobility, Amanda Warren from AGE Spanish member organisation FATEC, emphasized the need to involve older persons and persons with disabilities, as the the target user groups, from the start of research and planning. When addressing accessibility, Amanda also highlighted the importance of a golden triangle, involving policy makers, users and support groups as well as businesses.
