Română Accessibility as a European priority
Accessibility is a fundamental principle of the European Union, supporting equal participation, non-discrimination, and inclusion.
Ensuring accessibility contributes to the full participation of persons with disabilities in society, to the development of inclusive and sustainable economies, and to improving the quality and ease of use of products, services, and environments for everyone.
The European Accessibility Resource Centre, AccessibleEU
AccessibleEU is the European Commission’s initiative dedicated to accessibility across the European Union, with the role of supporting the implementation of policies and legislation in this field.
Through its activities, it contributes to the consistent application of the European legislative framework and promotes equal access to the built environment, transport, information and communication technologies, as well as products and services, for all people, including persons with disabilities.
Mission and objectives
AccessibleEU functions as a European platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building, supporting relevant stakeholders in understanding and applying accessibility requirements.
In this context, the initiative provides reliable information and guidance, supports the implementation of European legislation, facilitates the exchange of practices among Member States, and helps strengthen the capacity of public authorities, the private sector, and civil society to integrate accessibility.
Structure and implementation
AccessibleEU is implemented by a European consortium made up of ENAT, EASPD, Johannes Kepler University Linz, and UNE, led by Fundación ONCE.
The European Accessibility Resource Centre is coordinated and operated by experts organized on two levels: senior experts in areas such as the built environment, information and communication technology, transport, policy, and standardization, and, at the national level, national experts who contribute to adapting and promoting the initiative in each Member State.
They ensure the flow of information between the European and national levels, facilitating two-way communication and supporting the connection between relevant initiatives and stakeholders.
AccessibleEU in Romania
In Romania, the role of AccessibleEU national expert is held by Cristina Căluianu, who contributes to promoting accessibility and connecting national initiatives to the European framework.
Her work includes organizing events and information sessions, facilitating dialogue among public authorities, the private sector, and civil society, as well as supporting the transfer of knowledge and good practices.