Projects that enable people with disabilities to access the labor market will receive 54 million euros in additional funding. The cabinet announced this on Wednesday after the cabinet meeting (see video above). The aim is for people with disabilities to receive a regular wage and regular social security.
Two-thirds of the money comes from the federal government, one-third from the states. There are currently approximately 28,000 people with disabilities working in supported workshops. They are insured against accidents for their work and receive 35 to 100 euros in pocket money per month, depending on the state. This means that they are still far away from actually receiving a wage. According to one study, a change would cost countries around 190 million euros per year.
Rauch could not say on Wednesday how many people will receive a salary in the future. In any case, they must receive a fair reward for their work, be covered by social security and be entitled to a pension. The 54 million euros will be used to support both existing and new projects in the countries.
Three target groups
According to government plans, there are roughly three target groups: people who work in companies where the workplace is individually adapted to them; People with disabilities who are still cared for in institutions, but are active in the regular labor market, and people who work directly in the structure or organization of their residential facility.
The exact criteria will be developed in the coming weeks, and self-representations of people with disabilities will also be included. Existing offers from the labor market service for inclusion in the labor market from day structure facilities are also being further developed.
Lots of approval
The government’s announcement was received with much support, including from Diakonie, Lebenshilfe and the Council for the Disabled. “We are optimistic that today marks the start of an important change,” said Martin Ladstätter, Vice-President of the Austrian Council for the Disabled.
“People with disabilities have the right to a self-determined life. This includes equal treatment in the world of work and an adequate income. This is the only way to prevent poverty in old age,” said Patrick Berger, head of the Opportunities Benefits Office at the ÖGB, in a press release.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
