Areas without age limits

It is important to define the term "disability" precisely:

A disability is

• the effect of a non-temporary physical, mental or psychological functional impairment or impairment of sensory functions,
• which is expected to last longer than 6 months and
• is likely to make participation in society more difficult.

You can find a more precise definition of "disability", references to various relevant laws and information on key topics for people with disabilities such as education, work, equality and ID cards at the following link:

People with disabilities are sometimes unable to exercise their rights because they often encounter barriers in everyday life. These can be prejudices, information and communication barriers as well as structural barriers such as steps. For this reason, the environment must be as barrier-free as possible and there must be sufficient and appropriate provisions for people with disabilities. This is the only way to meet their professional and everyday requirements.

Under the following link you will find information on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:

Below you will find links to associations that campaign for the rights and better living conditions of people with disabilities:

In the following brochure you will find answers to many questions you may have about the life and future of your child with a disability:

Some diseases only turn out to be rare and complex after many examinations. If a disease persists, it is referred to as a chronic disease. The following are some examples of chronic, rare or complex diseases:

• ADHD, ADS
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Cancer diseases
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
• cystic fibrosis
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Epilepsies
• Eating disorders
• Heart diseases
• juvenile rheumatism
• Pulmonary hypertension

Participating in social life is not so easy with a chronic or rare illness. Visits to the doctor and therapies take up a lot of time. In addition, the restrictions caused by the illness itself and the simultaneous desire for normality can be very stressful. School, work and social interaction should not be a challenge. After all, children and young people with chronic or rare diseases should have the same opportunities as everyone else.

You can find more information on rare diseases on the website of the Austrian Health Portal. Click on the following link to get an overview of advice and support services:

You can find self-help groups throughout Austria and in your federal state here:

Children and young people from families with poor financial circumstances are more likely to develop health problems. In their case, chronic illness becomes more likely and the prospect of a self-determined and independent life recedes into the distance. Other stressful life situations also have a negative impact on young people's chances of development and health. For example, families need support when living together becomes more difficult or a family member is emotionally unwell.

For this reason, there are many advisory and support services for those who find it difficult.

In crisis situations, the website of the Federal Chancellery offers a wide range of family counseling services throughout Austria. You can filter them according to different topics and federal states. Click here:

Through the concept of "early help", for example, you will receive support from a family support worker. As your personal contact person, he or she will help you to find and make use of social and health-related services. Family support is available throughout Austria. You can find more information on the Early Help website. For contact information for your region, select your federal state under the menu item "Offer & Contact":

If children or young people can no longer be adequately cared for at home, child and youth welfare services come into play. Children and young people can be looked after and cared for outside the home until they reach the age of majority. In some federal states, this is now also possible up to the age of 21. The problem with this age limit is that each young person needs a different amount of time to become independent. Additional support is therefore required, as every child has the right to development, fulfilment and support.

Here you will find information and contact details for child and youth welfare services in your federal state: