Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (Italy)
Overview
The Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in Italy is a key law designed to protect the rights of people with disabilities and ensure their full inclusion in society. It aligns with international standards, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It focuses on removing physical, digital, or social barriers that prevent equal participation.
Key Provisions in Simple Terms
- Non-Discrimination – Employers, schools, and service providers cannot treat people with disabilities unfairly. They must provide equal opportunities in work, education, and public services.
- Reasonable Accommodations – Businesses and public institutions must make necessary adjustments (like workplace modifications or accessible formats) to support people with disabilities, unless it causes an excessive burden.
- Accessibility Requirements – Public spaces, transportation, and digital services (websites, apps) must be accessible. For example, websites should follow WCAG 2.1 standards (e.g., screen-reader compatibility, keyboard navigation).
- Employment Rights – Companies with over 15 employees must hire a percentage of workers with disabilities. Remote work can be required as accommodation if needed.
- Disability Guarantor – Starting January 1, 2025, a new national authority will monitor discrimination complaints and promote disability rights.
Important Dates
- 2024 Updates: New decrees expanded definitions of disability and reinforced accessibility rules.
- June 28, 2025: Deadline for digital accessibility compliance under the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which Italy adopted into national law.
Based on Official Documents
This explanation summarises Italy’s disability rights laws, referencing official decrees and the European Accessibility Act. For full details, see the
- Italian government’s guidelines.
- Agency for Digital Italy (AgID)