People with disabilities: different groups and needs

The 2nd Regional Stakeholder Group Meeting of Hajdú-Bihar County was held in Debrecen (HU) on 2nd December 2024.

Besides the staff of the County Government, the participants of the meeting included university researchers and students, representatives of cultural institutions and delegates of the National Association of People with Intellectual Disabilities and their Helpers.

At the meeting, the Hungarian partner summarised the results of the work carried out so far, presenting the relevant legislative framework and the findings of the desk research. Following constructive feedback from the participants, further legislative additions were also suggested which could help to refine the analysis.

The next item on the agenda was a summary of the analysed results of the questionnaires. This was followed by an opportunity to share the views and comments of the participants, including criticisms. All the experts agreed that the questionnaires unfortunately did not take sufficient account of the diversity of people with disabilities, as different groups, such as the visually impaired and the mentally handicapped, have different needs. Accordingly, it would have been appropriate to address each group separately.

Analysis of the questionnaires revealed that the lack of sign language interpretation and web accessibility is a common problem. Although there are legal requirements in both areas, their implementation in everyday life is often lacking.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the issue of plain language, introduced by a presentation from an expert in the field. Participants agreed that this form of communication is still underdeveloped in Hungary, but that there are lessons to be learnt from good practices abroad as well as from initiatives in Hungary, especially in Budapest. Easy-to-understand communication is a great help not only for people with intellectual disabilities, but also for groups such as children, under-educated people or members of the older generation. It can help cultural institutions to broaden their audience base significantly.

Experience has shown that people with disabilities and disadvantaged people have a strong demand to visit cultural venues. For them, not only barrier-free physical access but also barrier-free access to information would be essential. However, cultural institutions face significant difficulties, in particular due to scarce financial resources.

In the concluding phase of the workshop, participants agreed that the focus of the project should be on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities, with a focus on the development of easy-to-understand communication.

Participants stressed that the involvement of cultural institutions, academics, policy makers and municipal staff would be key in shaping attitudes and promoting awareness. The results of the workshop provided a clearer picture of the steps needed to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and to make cultural institutions more inclusive, and will be taken forward in the future to work together towards these goals.