Sheltered workshops Actual conditions and

challenges in AT, DE, SW

Eurodiaconia: Social Economy

Katharina Meichenitsch, MSc.Social policy officer, Diakonie Austria, June 2012

Sheltered workshops

• Since 1950s instrument of rehabilitation policy

• Double role: temporary and permanent (over the years, permanent became dominant)

• Great diversity between countries (type of activities, status of employees, position of workshop in the economy, field of services for people with disabilities, etc.)

• In common: special employment conditions to activate people with disabilities (and other target groups)

Two research (OECD and ANED)comparability of sector?

OECD 2003Transforming Disability into Ability

Definition:

•Sheltered employment is defined as employment in a segregated environment, be it in a special workshop

•or a social firm or in a protected job orsegment in the open labour market

•Supported employment is defined as any form of personal assistance given at a job (on-the-job coaching or training) granted tothe employer or the employee

Integration and activation vs. inclusion

ANED 2007:Employment of disabled people in Europe

Academic Network of European Disability experts

www.disability-europe.net

Country Year Number of Persons

Increase / Decrease

Transition rate

Austria 2010 20.000 No data < 1 %

Germany 2005 256.000 10 % more (2002-2005)

1-5 %

Sweden 2007 21.000 20 % less (2000-2007)

4-5 %

Diversity in AT, DE and SW

Country Legislator Operator Social status of „employees“

Austria Regional NPO No or little coverage

Germany Federal and regional NPO Medium coverage

Sweden Federal Public Full coverage

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Art. 27 Work and Employment

•States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.

Austrian Committee: sheltered workshops are not complying with the CRPDPresident of Inclusion International: abolish sheltered workshopsParadigm shift?

Challenges and Trends

• „Creaming“

• Profitability vs employing persons with disabilities

• Best practice (e.g. support through networks, personal assistance, supported or subsidised employment, etc.)

• Transition phase?

• Other factors (e.g. fight discrimination, early childhood interventions, inclusive schooling, etc.)

Discussion

• How is Diakonie acting?

• What is the situation / are the problems in your country?

• Do you see need for action?

• Do you know best practice?

Thank you!