A guest on Bienvenue chez vous on ici Creuse, Émilie Péricat, representative of APF France Handicap, spoke about the persistent difficulties surrounding accessibility, public policy, and the rights of people with disabilities, despite recent legislative progress.
Despite both long-standing laws and new announcements, the daily lives of people with disabilities remain filled with obstacles. Incomplete accessibility, budget cuts in healthcare, and growing concerns about long-term illnesses (ALD): Émilie Péricat calls for vigilance to ensure that the rights that have been newly acquired are effectively implemented.
The laws exist, but their enforcement remains incomplete. Speaking on ici Creuse, Émilie Péricat painted a clear picture of the situation faced by people with disabilities. “The first accessibility laws date back to 1975,” she recalled, “and still today, many of them are not respected.”
A disability created by society
APF France Handicap supports all forms of disability. For Émilie Péricat, it is essential to move beyond a purely medical perspective. “What often creates disability is society itself, not the illnesses,” she explained. Obstacles are many: mobility, employment, healthcare access. “Public policies do not ensure accessibility on multiple levels,” she added. This social approach to disability remains largely overlooked in public decision-making.
Progress achieved, but caution needed
Some advocacy efforts have led to concrete progress. “Associations have fought for wheelchairs to be fully reimbursed by Social Security,” emphasized Émilie Péricat, a recently adopted measure hailed as a victory.
But vigilance is still required. “We will closely monitor how this new right is actually enforced,” she warned. The concern is that new advances might be offset by regressions elsewhere. “Are we not robbing Peter to pay Paul?” she asked.
Health budget cuts raise alarm
Upcoming health budget proposals are raising serious concerns. “What is deeply alarming right now are the funding cuts,” explained the APF France Handicap representative.
Reductions are being considered for long-term illnesses (ALD). “Some diseases might no longer qualify for these rights,” she said. This could force people to return to work prematurely or forgo needed care, directly affecting both their daily lives and finances.
A direct impact on daily life and finances
Among the proposed measures are changes to reimbursements. “Transport coverage by taxis or ambulances would be reduced,” said Émilie Péricat, citing a push toward shared rides. However, “this is not practical depending on the illness or level of fatigue,” she stressed. Adding to this reduction or elimination of reimbursements for certain medications. “It is directly the wallets of those affected that are being hit,” she concluded.
