Legal framework

Articles 1 to 9 of Law 4780/2021 (A’ 30) established the National Accessibility Authority as an advisory body of the State, for the purpose of access for persons with disabilities in all areas of human activity.

The Authority’s mission is to continuously monitor issues related to the right of access of persons with disabilities and formulate proposals for the formulation of public policies in matters of its subject.

The Authority is subordinate to the Prime Minister, is administratively and financially supported by the Presidency of the Government, and is included in its budget as a distinct special entity.

Responsibilities

The Authority has the following competences:

a) Monitors the implementation of international, European, and national frameworks on accessibility.

b) Formulates proposals for comprehensive policies, regulatory interventions, and specific actions on accessibility, provides opinions on related issues, and engages in consultations with public administration bodies, civil society organizations, and the Disability Movement.

c) Recommends the development and updating of accessibility standards across all sectors, including the physical, built, and digital environments, as well as in communications, transportation, products, and services, and provides opinions on the guidelines for their implementation.

d) Collaborates with the Country Coordinating Mechanism (Article 69 of Law 4488/2017, A’ 137), informs it about its proposals, and submits recommendations regarding the implementation and revision of the National Action Plan on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

e) Participates in legislative drafting committees for bills within its remit or provides opinions on relevant provisions prior submission, assessing their compatibility with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol (Law 4074/2012, A’ 88), taking into account the associated regulatory impact assessment.

f) s informed by the Regional Accessibility Committees and the Central Accessibility Committee (Articles 18 and 19 of Law 4495/2017, A’ 167), as well as any other Accessibility Committees and committees on disability issues, established within the public and wider public sectors and local government organizations, regarding accessibility issues and the implementation of Law 4074/2012.

g) Establishes working groups comprising specialized personnel from the public and private sectors, healthcare providers, and rehabilitation specialists, while determining their organization and operations, and supervising their work.

h) Drafts and submits, interim and annual reports, according to Article 6.

i) Represents the country in international organizations and European Union bodies on matters within its competence, following a specific mandate from the Coordinating Mechanism of Article 69 of Law 4488/2017.

j) Initiates public awareness campaigns on issues related to the accessibility of persons with disabilities to all areas of human activity, in collaboration with the relevant ministries.

k) Provides technical assistance and training, and organizes conferences and seminars, either independently or in collaboration with relevant bodies and organizations.