Resolution of the EBU conference 2003

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The 5th EBU deafblind conference| Fredericia, Denmark, 18th -20th of October2003

Independence and Equality of Deafblind People - The Right of Deafblind People and the Responsibility of the State

Resolution

In line with all United Nations conventions on Human Rights and the United Nations Standard Rules on Equalisation of Opportunities for People with Disabilities,

We, representatives of the deafblind people in Europe, united at the 5th EBU Deafblind Conference on October 20th 2003, in Fredericia, Denmark, urge all governments in Europe:

1. to recognise deafblindness as a unique disability;
2. to recognise all persons with deafblindness as persons with the right to full participation in all areas of society including education, information, communication, employment, social and political life;
3. to ensure the quality of life, social inclusion, opportunities of employment, mobility and full participation of all persons with deafblindness by providing the necessary services including:
   • quality special education;
   • qualified interpreters;
   • personal assistants and guides;
   • rehabilitation;
   • accessible information;
   • full access to all aspects of the information society;
   • accessible communication in the format and language needed by each individual deafblind person;
   • provision of technical aids;
   • assistive and adapted devices; and
   • accessibility in the entire environment;
4. to ensure a legal basis for the necessary provisions and services, as well as ensuring that the development and delivery of services take place in partnership and dialogue with deafblind persons and their organisations.

(2007-03-13)