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 2003 Transforming 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 or segment 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 to the employer or the employee  Integration and activation vs. inclusion

ANED 2007: Employment of disabled people in Europe Academic Network of European Disability experts CountryYearNumber of Persons Increase / Decrease Transition rate Austria No data< 1 % Germany % more ( ) 1-5 % Sweden % less ( ) 4-5 %

Diversity in AT, DE and SW CountryLegislatorOperatorSocial status of „employees“ AustriaRegionalNPONo or little coverage GermanyFederal and regionalNPOMedium coverage SwedenFederalPublicFull 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 CRPD  President of Inclusion International: abolish sheltered workshops  Paradigm 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!