DFI Submission to the EU Public Consultation on the Enhancement of the EU Disability Rights Strategy up to 2030
Issued on February 11 2026
In a recent submission to the European Commission, the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) outlined critical recommendations for enhancing the EU Disability Rights Strategy up to 2030. Grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), the DFI calls for a human rights-based approach that delivers tangible improvements for the disability community.
Key priorities and flagship initiatives
Employment and poverty: DFI emphasizes closing the disability employment gap, which stands at 38.2% in Ireland,and prioritising the "Cost of Disability" as a core rights issue.
Equal treatment: The submission urges the immediate adoption of the EU Equal Treatment Directive, which has been blocked for 17 years, to prohibit both direct and indirect discrimination.
Technology and transport: Proposed actions include regulating AI in recruitment to prevent bias and implementing ambitious reforms for air and rail accessibility.
Democratic participation: DFI calls for legislative initiatives to ensure equal rights to vote and stand for election, as well as full accessibility for European Parliamnt plenary debates.
Community care: The DFI supports a transition from institutional to community-based care and the establishment of a permanent regulatory agency for AccessibleEU.
Addressing intersecting barriers
The enhanced Strategy must tackle intersecting challenges, including mental health, the specific needs of women and girls with disabilities, and the barriers experienced by those with invisible disabilities.