Self-advocacy and representation of interests are considered to be among the most effective forms of political organization for socially marginalized groups, as well as key mechanisms for enabling clients of Social Work to participate in and influence the institutions and structures that support them. This has been confirmed by findings such as a 2015 study conducted at the institute on client participation in social organizations in Austria, as well as through ongoing dialogue with the Client Advisory Board which has been meeting regularly since 2013.

In Austria, however, there is still a lack of further, more detailed research into the benefits, limitations, and potentials of self-advocacy and interest representation. Existing self-advocacy and representation structures are almost exclusively designed by and for people with disabilities or mental health conditions.

This project aims to close this gap by examining existing self-advocacy structures in Austria. Central questions include: What are the origins and conditions of these structures? What internal and external factors contribute to their success or pose challenges? What impact do they have? The project will work toward mapping the current landscape of self-advocacy and representation in Austria and highlighting its benefits and potential – also for other areas of Social Work. 

Finally, it will formulate implications for education, theory, and practice in the field of Social Work.