Personal assistance: key to self -determination for people with disabilities

Personal assistance: key to self -determination for people with disabilities

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - People with disabilities should be able to live a self -determined life, and the concept of "personal assistance" plays a crucial role in this. At the awarding of the Austrian Inclusion Prize in 2024, winners and laudators emphasized the need for this support for people with intellectual disabilities. According to Lifeservice Austria Live around 85,000 people with intellectual disabilities in Austria, many of You in residential facilities or special schools. The aim of Lebenshilfe Austria is to give these people the opportunity to live a life like everyone else. "Living self -determined is a human right that should also apply to people with intellectual disabilities," said Christina Holmes from Lebenshilfe.

Important changes by the federal government network

Another central topic is integration assistance, which was reformed by the Bundesteilhabegesetz (BTHG) . Since January 1, 2020, the integration assistance services have no longer been part of social assistance. The positive effects of this Reform should ensure self -determined participation in life for people with disabilities. The services include support in social participation, participation in working life and medical rehabilitation services. The separation of specialist services and existential services ensures that support needs can be collected specifically and individually covered.

Lebenshilfe is committed to ensuring that every person with disabilities receives the help they need. "Politicians have to create the framework," said Michaela Wagner-Braito from Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg. With a new concept for personal assistance, which is to be adapted directly to individual needs and wishes, a crucial step towards more autonomy and quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities is sought.