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