> FAQ
FAQ
Q. Why has Business & Disability: a European Network been formed?
A. During 2003, the European Year of People with Disabilities (EYPD 2003), 12 large companies co-operated as Corporate Partners to raise awareness of the issues of people with disabilities. Some of these Corporate Partners have decided to continue this work by forming Business & Disability: a European Network (Business & Disability).
Q. Who are the members of Business & Disability?
A. Currently the network membership is comprised of Adecco, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Manpower Inc, Microsoft and Schindler. The European Disability Forum (EDF) is an associate partner.
Q. What are the aims and objectives of Business & Disability?
A. The member companies are committed to the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of European society and in particular, as workers, consumers and policy makers.
Business & Disability highlights the role of business in promoting inclusiveness.
It works to raise awareness of the business case for disability, promotes the disability inclusion initiatives and encourages the exchange of ideas among businesses, political actors and people with disabilities.
Q. What was the purpose of the European Year of People with Disabilities 2003?
A. The European Year was an initiative from people with disabilities endorsed by the European Union. The objective was to raise awareness of the challenges that people with disabilities face in the social, work and education environments and to involve society as a whole. EDF
Q: Why does Business & Disability feel so strongly about providing people with disabilities the same opportunities as anybody else to a job?
A: As any other citizen, people with disabilities are entitled to access to work and all societal resources, i.e. inclusive education, new technologies, health and social services, sports and leisure activities, consumer goods and services. All actions need to focus on empowering people with disabilities to exercise control over their own lives. People with disabilities are valuable members of the community.
Q. What is the relationship of Business & Disability to the European Union?
A. Business & Disability has no political affiliations, objectives or bias. It will work with the EU, wherever possible, to promote and facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities in society.
Q. Specifically, what are short and long term plans of Business & Disability?
A. B&D has drafted and adopted a two year programme including various activities at EU and at national level.
Q. Who can join Business & Disability? Is membership restricted?
A. Membership is not restricted. However, organisations must demonstrate commitment to the aims and objectives of Business & Disability and have adequate resources available.
NGOs with a particular interest in the fields of disability, diversity and employment are most welcome.
Q. How does Business & Disability operate?
A. Each member organisation has allocated representative responsibility to a high-level individual. These people meet on a regular basis and are in day-to-day contact by telephone and e-mail. Tasks are allocated to groups and individuals, dependent on expertise and resource.
The day-to-day organisation of the Network is managed by an independent secretariat.
Q. Does Business & Disability carry out any lobbying activities?
A. Business & Disability is not a lobbying organisation. However, if consensus were reached on a specific issue, Business & Disability would lobby as a group.
Q. How is Business & Disability funded?
A. Business & Disability does not receive any external funding for day-to-day running costs; these are covered by company membership fees.
