May 5th is European Day of Protest for Equality for People with Disabilities
Vienna (OTS) –On this year’s “Day of Inclusion”, the self-representatives of Lebenshilfen are carrying out numerous actions focusing on “inclusion in communities” in the federal states in order to fight for their social equality. Among other things, they want to achieve the de-institutionalization and the creation of individual housing options for people with intellectual disabilities in communities that have been called for for years in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
As the last UN state audit in 2023 showed, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-BRK) has still largely not been implemented in Austria. This affects, among other things, the area of de-institutionalization, i.e. away from assisted living houses and towards individual, barrier-free and affordable housing options for people with disabilities.
Promote de-institutionalization
Around the “Day of Inclusion” on May 5th, self-advocates are launching numerous actions throughout Austria. They visit mayors to hand over the “Inclusion in communities” guide. In doing so, the self-representatives are confirming their demand to politicians for de-institutionalized housing, the creation of forms of housing in which people with intellectual disabilities are not excluded, but can live as part of society in the middle of the community.
„Everyone talks about inclusion, but unfortunately far too little happens. Even in 2024, people with intellectual disabilities will not be able to decide for themselves where, how and with whom they want to live or will not even be able to find a barrier-free apartment. The majority of us live together in so-called ‘disabled housing’; but we definitely want to live there ourselves!“ criticizes Hanna Kamrat, self-advocate and vice president of Lebenshilfe Austria.
Implementing the UN CRPD: joint action at all levels
„It takes decisive and joint action from all those responsible: the federal government, the federal states and the municipalities. There must be no further investment in existing or new facilities, but individual housing options for people with intellectual disabilities must be expanded.“ affirms Philippe Narval, Secretary General of Lebenshilfe Austria. “The UN CRPD must finally be implemented, but this not only concerns de-institutionalization, but also the creation of an inclusive education system and labor market as well as the expansion of personal assistance.“
Federal state actions by people with intellectual disabilities on “Inclusion Day”
On the occasion of May 5th, self-advocates in the federal states are taking numerous actions to draw attention to the “Day of Inclusion”. For example, B. Self-representatives of Lebenshilfe in Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia and Styria mayors and focus on the topic of “self-determined living for everyone”. People with disabilities from Lebenshilfe Fürstenfeld in Styria also invite you to a cinema screening of “Let me fly”. In Lower Austria, self-advocates are once again drawing attention to the demand for an inclusive labor market and the expansion of apprenticeships for young people with learning difficulties, using the example of cooperation with the inclusive service company “flying hands”.
About the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The right to a “self-determined life and inclusion in the community” is firmly anchored in Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). In October 2008, Austria committed itself to implementing the contents of the convention. The UN CRPD describes which adjustments are necessary so that people with disabilities can achieve their rights and covers all areas of life such as housing, education and work.
An overview of the Austria-wide actions of the self-representatives of Lebenshilfen: bit.ly/3xZ0mR8
Questions & Contact:
Lebenshilfe Austria Philippe Narval Secretary General 0664 30 76 679 narwhal@lebenshilfe.at www.lebenshilfe.at
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