The framework conditions for disability policy have changed fundamentally in recent decades. Today, the focus is on the human rights and equality approach. In 2008, Austria signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (accompanying document to the translation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), which sets new standards with regard to the rights of people with disabilities. The EU is also pursuing this human rights approach in the EU Disability Strategy 2021-2030.
To implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Austria has had a comprehensive national strategy, the National Action Plan on Disability, since 2012. This contains longer-term disability policy objectives and measures.
The topic of disability affects many different areas of life and therefore also different legal areas and responsibilities of the federal states and the federal government. At federal level, the Ministry of Social Affairs is primarily responsible for matters relating to people with disabilities, and it sets key initiatives for people with disabilities in its own area. The focus here is on occupational participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Irrespective of this, the principle of Disability mainstreamingAccording to this, each department must take into account the interests of people with disabilities in their respective areas of responsibility.
Three central legal instruments are available here: the Disability Employment Act, the Federal Disability Discrimination Act and the Federal Disability Equality Act.
The central point of contact for people with disabilities is the Social Ministry Service with its nine regional offices in the provincial capitals. One of the main tasks of the Social Ministry Service is the professional inclusion of people with disabilities.
However, many areas that are essential for people with disabilities fall within the competence of the federal states, such as social support services, housing and leisure.
Below you will find detailed information on the laws and rights of people with disabilities:
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international treaty. In the so-called UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the signatory states undertake to guarantee and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities - without discrimination of any kind.
Detailed information on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is available on the following page:
The National Action Plan on Disability (NAP Disability) is the federal government's long-term strategy for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. You can find more information on this under the following link Link:
Disability equality law includes, in particular, the Federal Disability Equality Act for matters relating to everyday life and a section of the Disability Employment Act with provisions for the world of work.
Protection against discrimination applies to people with disabilities and to people close to them (e.g. relatives).
In order to claim protection against discrimination, the disability does not have to be officially confirmed. However, the discrimination must relate to the disability. Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection or on that of the Social Ministry Service.
If someone feels discriminated against, the first port of call is the Social Ministry Service. They will try to resolve the problem through mediation. The lawyer for equal treatment issues for people with disabilities, also known as the disability lawyer, offers help with legal issues - he or she advises and supports in cases of disability-related discrimination.
Under the following Link you can access the advice centers for people with disabilities, including the contact details of the Ombud for the Disabled.
Barriers can occur in many ways for people with disabilities. For the comprehensive inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of life, including education and employment, attention must be paid to accessibility.
Further information on the subject of accessibility can be found on the following pages:
Prepared by: BMASGPK, Section IV, Group A
Last update: July 1, 2025