Regulation 1107/2006 and other passengers rights – Persons with reduced mobility in transport

1. Regulation 1107/2006 and other passengers rights – Persons with reduced mobility in transport Stig Langvad EDF executive committee member DPOD chairperson UN CRPD committee member Member of Danish advisory board on civil aviation for PRM’s

2. Regulation 1107/2006 • A landmark victory for PRM’s and the disability movement because it to some extent creates legal protection based on the right not to be discriminated • There are some challenges to solve before the protection is guaranteed: • Obligations of airport authorities must be improved and implemented • Obligations of airline companies must be improved, broadened and implemented • Obligations of producers and designers of aeroplanes and other airline equipment must it be included • Monitoring of implementation must be enforced by capable bodies at EU and national level

3. Some critical issues • Seating in the aircraft • Work environment of staff • Design of aircrafts • Handling of mobility equipment • Assistance dogs • Medical oxygen • Assistance on board • Inform if needed on complaint procedures • Insufficient number of staffs • Montreal/ICAO • TRAINING • Denied boarding • Accompanying persons • Waiting time • Proactive response to individual needs • Accessibility of information • Accessible booking • Non medical approach • Disability awareness • Direct communication with/to passengers • Same range of choice and access as other passengers • Luggage or not

4. Training • Training is the key to good customer service and careful handling of mobility equipment and assistive devices; • Training is the key to overcome attitudinal barriers for disabled air passengers; • Training is the key for guaranteeing the effective implementation of all parts of the regulation; • Training is the most cost-efficient means for ensuring non-discrimination. • Training must be undertaken in cooperation with the representative organisations. • Training of selected staff with many obligations secures satisfactory service at airports – organisation is not irrelevant

5. Involvement of DPOs The regulation exists to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities and those with reduced mobility; This is why representative organisation of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobilityhave to take a proactive part throughout the implementation of the regulation; Being involved in any planning concerning organisation, training etc is the best way to make sure that the regulation will make a real difference in practice for air passengers with disabilities and PRM’s. Ask those who knows!

6. Responsibility and role of the NEBs National Enforcement Bodies (NEBs) interpret their role and responsibilities very differently. Some NEBs are (pro-)active whilst others passively wait for complaints. Resources (human and financial) and knowledge/expertise vary a lot. Clear guidance coming from the EU commission to NEBs is needed to ensure a harmonised interpretation of the regulation and smooth and non-discriminatory implementation in practice. Application of penalties when there are flagrant violations of the law. A more transparent register of complaints must be established, preferably at the European level.

7. The regulation on rail passenger rights • Regulation 1371/2007 does also include specific rights for persons with disabilities – but not all provisions insurers equal protection for passengers with disabilities. • Information must be available in accessible formats, websites must be adapted to W3C guidelines. • Does not give sufficient protection in relation to international, national, regional and local railways – and does not secure dignified seamless travel • Necessary accompanying persons must be possible without additional costs of travellers with disabilities. • DPOs must be involved when railways is defining quality standards for services and are providing disability specific training to staff. • Assistance must be able to be booked at the same time and at no extra cost as ticket. • Accessibility of infrastructure and rolling stock must be ensured with strict deadlines couple with the necessary European and National funding (revision of TSI PRM) – and through a more democratic approach!

8. Passenger rights in other modes of transport Passengers rights in all its forms are fundamental to secure freedom of movement across the EU. Passengers rights have always been one of the main issues of EDF because PWDs are not having equal opportunities compared to others – across all modes of transport. There are many situations of discrimination of PWDs. The challenges across all modes of transport are very similar. It is about having access without being denied boarding, the right to bring necessary equipment, accompanying persons etc, the right to give and get accessible information, respect of individual needs, writes across different modes of transport through seamless transport possibilities and involvement of DPOs in planning and training. It is not just about having the rights but also – and perhaps much more – about implementation through capable and efficient monitoring and close collaboration with the representative DPOs. EDF is in the process of elaborating toolkits relating to implementation of the rights of persons with reduced mobility/PWDs.

9. Thank you for your attention! info@edf-feph.org www.edf-feph.org