2023-11-30 21:46:44
Event as part of participation in the “Purple Light Up” campaign in the House
Vienna (PK) – By participating in the global campaign “Purple Light up”, Parliament wants to raise public awareness of the rights and concerns of people with disabilities. Ahead of International Day for People with Disabilities, which is celebrated on 3 December, an event was held in the House today to award Parliament with the Fair for All certificate. National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka accepted the award on behalf of all employees involved and promised to continue working in the spirit of inclusion.
Rudolf Kravanja, President of the Federal Association for People with Disabilities, presented the “Fair for All” certificate to parliament, which stands for democracy and participation like no other institution. In particular, the visitor center and the library, which were redesigned “in an excellent way” and in compliance with the monument protection regulations, were honored. What he would like to see in the future is an adjustment to the Disability Equality Act passed in 2006, which “has no teeth” due to the lack of sanctions.
In her keynote, Helene Jarmer, President of the Austrian Association of the Deaf, spoke regarding the challenges that still exist for people with disabilities. Above all, there must be an end to “supplication,” which is why the inclusion fund should be set up, she appealed to the representatives of the federal states. People with disabilities must be given the opportunity to live a “truly barrier-free, participatory life” in Austria. Her remarks were underlined by the presentation of the short film “Barrier-free in Parliament”.
Interested visitors were able to take part in so-called barrier-free short tours, which were offered by Barbara Sima-Ruml (expert in barrier-free construction). The inclusive Ohrklang ensemble provided the musical accompaniment.
Commitment to the implementation of equal opportunities in all areas of life
The President of the Federal Council Claudia Arpa emphasized that it was a matter of the heart for her to be able to open today’s event, especially since she had worked with people with disabilities for several years during her professional career. The initiative is a “wonderful opportunity” to send a clear signal in the spirit of inclusion. With regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Austria signed in 2008, she appealed to continue working on expanding equal opportunities. This must be realized at all levels, from education and professional participation to participation in public and social life. She hopes that the award for Parliament will serve as a role model for other institutions.
Third President of the National Council Norbert Hofer recalled that a few years ago it was not that easy to bring regarding an all-party decision to restructure the parliament. Despite difficult circumstances during the renovation phase, it was finally possible to work in a barrier-free building. The term inclusion has a very personal meaning for him, Hofer continued, as he had to start a new life 20 years ago and was initially dependent on a wheelchair. Looking back, he believes that the accident made him a better person. He believes that “everyone of us has a disability” because everyone is “a little out of the norm.” For him, it’s less regarding choosing the right terms and more regarding the actions that are taken for people with disabilities.
Jarmer: “Accessibility in Parliament yesterday and today from the perspective of a self-advocate”
When she came to parliament as a member of the Green Party in 2009, there were still a lot of questions regarding the use of sign language, recalled Helene Jarmer. Many of her colleagues didn’t realize that “everything that goes into the ears comes out of the hands.” It took some time and a longer awareness-raising process to create more understanding for the concerns of people with disabilities. Citing some funny anecdotes she experienced during her work, Jarmer emphasized that it is important to be able to laugh at yourself. Since she moved into the House, sign language interpreters have been used in debates, Jarmer emphasized, which is not a given in every parliament. She congratulated everyone involved for making the Austrian Parliament a role model for other institutions.
There is much more to the term accessibility than the installation of a ramp, said Helene Jarmer in her keynote speech, which was delivered in sign language. “People with disabilities are experts in themselves,” emphasized Jarmer, which is why they should be represented at all levels. There must also be an end to “supplication,” which is why the inclusion fund must be set up, she appealed to the representatives of the federal states. People with disabilities must be given the opportunity to live a “truly barrier-free, participatory life” in Austria.
Under the motto “Purple Light Up,” participants all over the world are making a visible statement
Parliament is helping to raise public awareness of the rights and concerns of people with disabilities by participating in the global Purple Light Up campaign. With the “Fair for All” accessibility certification, the House is sending a further signal that inclusion solutions can be successfully implemented that enable equal participation in parliamentary events. The “Fair for All” certificate, supported by the Ministry of Social Affairs, is intended to highlight companies, organizations, districts, municipalities and tourism regions that show a special commitment to breaking down barriers and discrimination once morest people with disabilities (www.fairfueralle.at). Parliament started the certification process for the library and visitor center in March 2022 to make efforts for greater accessibility and inclusion visible internally and externally. Re-certification is required in three years.
Ahead of the International Day for People with Disabilities, the facade of the Parliament is illuminated in purple. Since December 10, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Parliament is marking the occasion by highlighting the importance of human rights for democracy and leaving the facade of the Parliament on selected days shine. (End) sue
NOTE: An informative document was prepared by employees of the Parliamentary Directorate Technical dossier created that answers the question “How does a parliament become barrier-free?” gives answers.
NOTE: The event might also be followed via live stream and is available as video on demand Parliament’s media library available.
A NOTICE: Photos from this event as well as one Review of past events you find in Parliament web portal.
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