Equality for everyone: Austria's path to more inclusion for people with disabilities

Equality for everyone: Austria's path to more inclusion for people with disabilities

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - The discussion about the rights and needs of people with disabilities in Austria has gained driving. The lawyer for equal treatment issues, Christine Steger, has denounced the pressing topics as part of the current coalition negotiations. According to OTS 2022-2030 play a central role in the negotiations. Steger emphasizes that Austria has been formally obliged to implement the UN Convention on the rights of people with disabilities since 2008, but there are still urgent need for action 16 years later.

urgent fields of action for the future

The lawyer has mainly identified three main areas that are important for the future federal government: accessibility, reduction in bureaucracy in the event of needs and social justice. The area of accessibility is to be strengthened by legal framework conditions so that people with disabilities have a legal right to accessibility, says Christine Steger. Also in the education sector more for inclusive curricula has to be done, reports Bühne for human rights .

Inclusion as a central element of society is significant not only for those affected, but also for the entire society. An estimated 650 million people with disabilities are disadvantaged worldwide. The UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities, which has been in Germany since its ratification in 2009, represents a milestone in the demand for equality and accessibility, but there are still many challenges. The shortage of skilled workers in Germany illustrates how important the integration of people with disabilities in working life is to use their skills and potential.

Progress in disability policy requires determined action. Only through extensive political measures and the consideration of the needs of people with disabilities can barriers be reduced and inclusion promoted sustainably. It remains to be seen how the new coalition negotiators will incorporate Christine Steger's suggestions in their plans.