Inclusion at the workplace: Carinthia is breaking new ground for people with disabilities

Inclusion at the workplace: Carinthia is breaking new ground for people with disabilities

On March 21, the World Down Syndrome Day, the challenges are once again made aware of the challenges that people with disabilities are on the labor market. Despite the hurdles, there are encouraging developments in Carinthia. Brigitte Gomernik's son Manuel, who has been in professional life for 30 years, is a shining example of inclusion. Her vision that he learned a regular profession became reality with the establishment of autark, a project to promote people with disabilities. The director, Bernhard Wappis, reported that around 250 people are now employed in inclusive small businesses and employment models, which particularly indicates the positive effects of these efforts, as the Neuzeitäge.at notes.

progress and challenges

In Carinthia, the proportion of companies that hire people with disabilities is 32 percent, which is above the national average of only 22.4 percent, as can be seen from a current study. Despite this progress, however, it turns out that many companies hesitate to integrate these valuable talents due to prejudices. Often they prefer to pay a compensation stax than give people with disabilities a chance. Carinthia's social officer Gaby Schaunig emphasizes that this idea is outdated: "In fact, the collaboration is enriching for everyone." The state government has therefore launched initiatives such as the "Zero Project" to motivate employers through success stories and best practice examples, to actively promote inclusion, as well as orf.at

In addition to sensitization of the companies, the “Wages instead of pocket money” project runs in Carinthia, which enables people with disabilities to regular employment. This not only offers financial security, but also enhances its contributions in society. The companies are asked to act in solidarity and to create an inclusive work environment that benefits not only to those affected, but also to the entire company.