The Ministry of Equality’s Supported Needs and Disability Office Manager Jenny Victory attended the European Accessibility Summit in Brussels. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

This was organised by the  European Disability Forum who work regularly with the European Parliament, the European  Commission and the Council of the European Union to defend the interests of over 100 million  persons with disabilities in Europe. 

The summit hosted 23 speakers in total, discussing topics including The Future of Technology  Through Lived Experience, Accessibility and Public Procurement, Accessibility in Higher Education and Accessibility in Video Games. 

Keynote speaker, Belgium’s Federal Minister for Persons with Disabilities Minister Rob Beenders,  spoke about his own hearing loss and cochlear implants, explaining how we must, “embrace the full  diversity of human abilities” and “build a society where inclusion is not the exception, but the norm”.  

Minister Beenders also discussed the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and a panel discussion  followed on how the EAA is being implemented within European Union (EU) member states with  panel members from Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden and Germany. 

Interpretation of EU legislation was also discussed at the summit, as was the use of Artificial  Intelligence for Accessibility, noting that there needs to be clear distinction between artificial  intelligence, assistive technology and accessibility, despite the three being interlinked. 

SNDO Manager Mrs Jenny Victory said:“The summit has given me the opportunity to network with  key people working within the disability field across Europe and the world. Gibraltar is not an EU  member state, but it is important to factor in EU frameworks when developing our local policies.” 

Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “These events give us the opportunity to discuss key issues relevant to Gibraltar with other  countries, share information and learn how to navigate implementing and monitoring legislation.  The Supported Needs and Disability Office are continually assessing and updating our practices and  legislation to ensure The Ministry of Equality is offering the best legal protection and best practices  to our community.”