Inclusion could be easy

At the symposium on the topic of "Inclusion could be easy", the focus was on people with disabilities. With their different skills, strengths and needs, they hold more potential for the world of work than is currently being used.

On 14 May, the Vienna Chamber of Labour, the trade unions vida and PRO-GE, the Opportunity-Benefit Office of the ÖGB and the Federal Association for People with Disabilities ÖZIV held their annual inclusion conference. The title and at the same time the motto of the event was: "Inclusion could be easy! Why are we making it so difficult for ourselves?". The conference was very well received, with around 200 visitors gathering in the hall of the Austrian Trade Union Confederation on that day. Numerous NGOs were also represented and informed the guests at their stands.

From digitization to rare diseases

Among others, the drag queen "Candy Licious" was on site as a speaker. In her presentation, she explained the mechanisms of multiple discrimination based on gender, appearance, disability and other characteristics. Other speeches focused on the discrimination of older and sick employees, as well as digitization as a curse and blessing for people with disabilities. The special challenges of rare diseases were also discussed on a separate panel. In between, the Special Dance Crew performed a dance performance and created a great atmosphere.

Labour market inclusion as an opportunity

People with disabilities still work more often far below their qualification level. And they are still more and longer affected by unemployment. In order to promote inclusion in the labour market, there is a legal requirement for companies with 25 or more employees to hire. This states that for every 25 employees, at least one disabled person must be admitted with a preferential treatment. But instead of taking advantage of this labor potential, companies often pay a compensatory tax – and continue to complain about the labor shortage. 

The individual at the center

Disabled people are more than their disability. They know best what they have to offer and what support they need. An essential step towards more inclusion would therefore be to talk not only about people with disabilities, but above all with them. As a society as a whole, we are still a long way from inclusive thinking. Therefore, an education system is needed in which different talents and requirements are taken into account and the focus is on people. Every employee is different, with or without a disability. Illnesses and accidents can affect us all. Inclusion must find a place out of the taboo zone and in all areas of working life.

As the organiser, Peter Traschkowitsch from the trade union vida was satisfied with the outcome of this year's inclusion conference. "Our common task is to work together and find the perfect workplace for each individual; because it exists," he concludes from the event.