Revolutionary conference for inclusion: opportunities for people with disabilities!

Revolutionary conference for inclusion: opportunities for people with disabilities!

On March 24, 2025, the first confidence conference conference took place in Vienna, organized by the group of Christian trade unionists: inside in the ÖGB (FCG). Over 100 participants: Inside from all over Austria came together to discuss current challenges and solutions for a more inclusive world of work. FCG Federal Chair and ÖGB Vice President Romana Deckenbacher welcomed those present and emphasized the importance of engagement for an inclusive society.

The participants: Different topics were brought closer to the accessibility in public and digital space, which included individual adjustments to the workplace, home office options, flexible working hours and the awareness of colleagues. Among the top -class experts: Inside, the lectures were given, Michael Pichler from the Essl Foundation, Nico Forchthammer, Christine Steger from the Federal Disabled Office and many more.

challenges of inclusion

The conference once again made it clear that people with impairments in the labor market encounter numerous barriers. Around 10.4 million people live in Germany with disabilities, of which only half of whom is employed or has completed vocational training. The unemployment rate of this group is almost 11 percent, while it only reaches 5.7 percent in non -disabled people. This discrepancy is alarming and requires measures to improve inclusion at work.

The General Equal Opportunities Act (AGG) and other legal regulations urge employers not to disadvantage people with disabilities. The AGG considers inclusion as a legal obligation that companies with more than 20 employees must also meet when filling jobs. From January 1, 2024, these companies will have to fill at least 5 percent of their jobs with severely disabled people. Otherwise there is a risk of compensation tax, which can be between 210 euros and 720 euros per month from 2025.

strategies for promoting inclusion

In order to successfully achieve inclusion at the workplace, a work environment tailored to the needs of people with impairments is required. Barrier -free application processes, adapted jobs, training courses to raise awareness of employees and flexible working time models are crucial. Mentors and work assistants can also support people with disabilities with their familiarization.

A current example shows the need for such measures. Dariean Bahr, which is dependent on a wheelchair due to a spinal cord infarction, was supported by his employer Dachser SE and the employment agency to create a barrier -free job. The process needed seven months from planning to work. The employer, Jan-Ferdinand Lühmann, emphasizes the social responsibility of his company and recommends regular votes with the employment agency.

The FCG sees the recently held conference as a first step towards a more inclusive society and has set itself the goal of initiating further events and measures in the long term. The creation of an integrative world of work not only offers people with impairments the chance of participation, but also represents a valuable contribution to improving corporate culture.

Overall, the demand for inclusion at the workplace is not only a social but also a legal bid. Compliance with these standards could help overcome the barriers that still exist in many companies. The conference has shown that the exchange about challenges and solutions is essential to make progress in this area.

Further information on the disabled confidence conference can be found on barmer.de as well as Arbeitsagentur.de .