In 2008, the Austrian National Council ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UN CRPD). By doing so, Austria has committed itself to enable inclusion for people with disability in all areas of life. Nevertheless, approx. 23,000 people, in particular those with learning disabilities, are currently in employment therapy. Thereby, Lower Austria fails to meet the requirements of the UN CRPD as employment therapy can be classified as a segregated third labor market. 

This is the starting point for research into the current situation of people with disability who work in employment therapy measures. The spotlight is on aspects such as experiences, (working) conditions, wishes for change by people with disability, and national and international best practices. 

The goal is to develop concrete perspectives for change. The research questions will be answered using a mixed methods approach with a focus on participatory research methods such as, for example, group discussions in a world café format or peer interviews. The project workshop sets store by actively involving people with disability who work in employment therapy measures into the research process. Among other things, the importance of this study is highlighted by the fact that Austria continues to fail to fully implement the UN CRPD. This study coincides with the federal government’s plans to draw up a new national action plan on inclusion for people with disability.