(03 December 2014) – On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, on 3 December, Eurostat issues data on the economic and social integration of persons with disabilities in the EU28 Member States. Fewer than 1 in 2 disabled adults were in employment in the EU28 in 2011 and almost a third was at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2013.
Around 44 million people aged 15 to 64 in the European Union (EU28) have reported a disability, often preventing them from taking part fully in society and the economy. Whether in the labour market, in the education system or for social inclusion indicators, the situation of disabled persons in the EU28 is less favourable than that of non-disabled people.
In 2011 across Member States, the largest differences between the proportion of disabled people and that of non-disabled people aged 15-64 being in employment were recorded in Hungary and the Netherlands.
Trends similar to those observed in the labour market can be seen for access to education. In each of the EU28 Member States even if an equal access to lifelong learning for disabled and non-disabled people exists in Sweden and in France.
At risk of poverty or social exclusion rates differ most according to disability status in Bulgaria and Belgium, least in Greece and Spain.