Authorities often communicate services aimed exclusively at people with disabilities in plain language, but not services for the entire population. "However, people who rely on plain language want to decide for themselves what information is relevant to them. This is why the Austrian Ombudsman Board will also be expanding its range of information in plain language. The aim is for the entire website to be available in plain language, for example," say the members of the Ombudsman Board. Most recently, the Ombudsman Board published a brochure on its tasks in the area of human rights in simple language.
Schwetz: Right to 11th and 12th school year still not implemented
Children with disabilities require authorisation from the Directorate of Education after the end of compulsory schooling in order to be allowed to add a voluntary 11th or 12th school year. Parents who have not been allocated such a school place for their child have repeatedly turned to the Ombudsman Board. "The rigid statutory maximum limits on compulsory school attendance must finally be abolished. The duration of school attendance should be determined solely on the basis of educational standards," says Ombudswoman Elisabeth Schwetz, currently Chairwoman of the Ombudsman Board. A corresponding legislative initiative by the Ombudsman Board was rejected by the Ministry of Education.
Schwarz: Genuine accessibility instead of ringing at the back door!
"Accessibility also means self-determination for those affected. Getting into an official building without assistance, using public transport or simply getting into your own four walls are simple wishes that are often denied to people with disabilities," says Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz. The protection of historical monuments is often used as an argument that people with disabilities have to ring the bell at back doors. "If we really want to make public buildings accessible to people with disabilities, we need to be more resourceful in finding solutions to problems and ask ourselves what is important to us." Accessibility would also benefit many other groups, such as parents with pushchairs or people with rollators.
Achitz: Inclusion is a right and must not fail because of money
"Unfortunately, the right to a self-determined life is not very far from being realised in practice when it comes to housing. People with disabilities often live in residential institutions," says Ombudsman Bernhard Achitz: "Some have turned to the Ombudsman Board because they are not even allowed to leave their residential institution at weekends to stay with their families, for example. Absurdly, they have to pay a 'fine' for this. So the free choice of where to stay only applies if you have money." Speaking of money: The Ombudsman Board has been calling for years for people with disabilities who work in "workshops" to receive a wage instead of pocket money, including social security entitlement. Achitz: "Everyone has been in favour of this, but despite numerous announcements, it is likely to take even longer before it is implemented. However, inclusion is a right and must not fail because of money."
Ombudsman Board: "Time and again, people with disabilities complain that they do not find out about important services and offers from the authorities because they do not provide accessible information - for example in plain language."
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