Inclusive and accessible public services are a cornerstone of good governance and democratic participation. This first webinar of the series will bring together policy makers and practitioners to examine how governments can design public services that meet the needs of all users, including people with disabilities and other groups facing barriers to access.
The session will open with an overview of key European Commission initiatives, frameworks and guidance that shape inclusive public service design, including the rights‑based obligations established under the Web Accessibility Directive, the European Accessibility Act and guidance from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. This will set the context for a comparative discussion of regional practices and persistent challenges across EU member states and EU enlargement administrations.
Drawing on SIGMA monitoring findings, the discussion will address gaps identified in the design and accessibility of public services, particularly in Western Balkan and Eastern European administrations. Through concrete case examples, the panel will explore how legal and technical requirements can be translated into practical, enforceable and multi‑channel service models.
