LIZ CALLS FOR RECOGNITION OF "DYS- ABILITY"

10.51.11am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th Jul 2007

Local MEP Liz Lynne, Vice-President of the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee and Vice-President of the All Party Disability Intergroup disabled people, has urged fellow MEPs to sign up to a call for action for people affected by "dys"-abilities.

An estimated 10% of children across the European Union are affected by a "dys"-type disability such as dysphasia, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia or attention deficit disorder.

Liz today tabled an oral question to the European Institutions asking for further action to raise awareness and the development of an EU charter to help ensure minimum standards and sharing of best practice.

Speaking today from Brussels Liz said:

"Government and schools have for too long failed to identify, diagnose and treat these disorders in too many young people and must ensure that this changes if we are to avoid their social exclusion."

"With renewed effort and new educational and training resources across Europe, no child or young adult with dys-type disabilities should be left behind in the future."

"Above all it is vital that dys-type disabilities are from now on recognised for what they are - disabilities and I shall continue to campaign for this at a European level."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Liz Lynne is the author of a recent report for the European Parliament on Social Protection and Social Inclusion which amongst other things recognises that employment rates of people with disabilities is proportionately very low and calls for action to change this.