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“Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.” (Article 1,  UN convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities, 2006)

This means that a disability is not only defined by the impairment itself, but also by the way society reacts to it and how social participation is restricted by barriers.

In order to break down these barriers, Austrian legislation provides for increased protection and support for people with disabilities/chronic illnesses, particularly in the workplace. To be eligible for these services, individuals must be officially recognized as belonging to the group of “begünstigt behinderte Personen”. The term “begünstigt behinderte Personen” refers to people with disabilities who are eligible for increased protections and accommodations in the workplace.

These increased protections and accommodations are only available if you submit an application to the Service Center of the Ministry of Social Affairs ( Sozialministeriumsservice). If all necessary requirements are met, the Sozialministeriumserviceissues a “Feststellungsbescheid” (kind of note of assessment) in accordance with the  Disability Empoyment Act.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The legal status of a person with disabilities who is eligible for increased protections and accommodations in the workplace does not automatically result from the fact of having a disability. A disability card does not count as proof of a beneficiary status.

Info Campaign Private, the disability card – at work, the “Feststellungsbescheid”*

* “Feststellungsbescheid” = Assessment of eligibility for the group of persons with disabilities receiving benefits (Kreis der begünstigt behinderten Personen)

Consultation hours

Nov., 12^th – Dec., 10^th: Every Wednesday, 10 a.m.–12 noon. Kaigasse 17, 2nd floor, 5020 Salzburg (also available  online if desired)

• Who can belong to the group of "begünstigt behinderte Personen"?

  > People with disabilities (degree of disability of at least 50%)
  > People with chronic illnesses (degree of disability of at least 50%)
  > People with severe illnesses (e.g. with cancer) for the duration of the illness/treatment, if the restrictions with a degree of disability of at least 50% are determined (for estimated 6 months or longer).
  > Applies to EU citizens and people of equivalent status

• What are the increased protections and accommodations in the workplace?

  > Increased protection against dismissal and redundancy: dismissals and redundancies require the approval of the Disabled Persons Committee
  > Protection of remuneration: there must be no reduction in remuneration on the grounds of disability
  > Increased duty of care: the University of Salzburg must take every possible consideration of the state of health, as far as the specific operating and working conditions allow.
  > Access to the disability representatives: the disability representatives are qualified employees who represent the rights of employees with disabilities / chronic illnesses in the workplace

• What other entitlements do I have?

  > One week additional holiday in accordance with the collective agreement for universities
  > Income tax allowance
  > Job-related support: e.g. mobility aids, technical working aids, workplace adoptions or subsidies for special training courses and further education, wage subsidies to obtain and secure jobs

• Where do I find support and advice?

  The department Family, Gender, Disability & Diversity (FGDD) is the main point of contact at the University of Salzburg
  The representative of university members with disabilities/chronic illnesses and the deputies represent the interests of employees with disabilities/chronic illnesses within the organization. You can find the contact details here:  Representatives of employees with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses – PLUS intranet

• Which advantages does the university gain from it?

  > Fulfilling the university’s social mandate for greater inclusion and diversity
  > Like all companies with more than 25 employees, the universityis obliged to employ one person with disabilities/chronic illnesses for every 25 employees. If these mandatory positions are not fully filled, a  compensatory tax must be paid.
  > Access to the subsidies is usually only possible if the person belongs to the group of “begünstigte behinderte Personen”.

• Further information

  > Applying for a “Feststellungsbescheid“ is your personal decision. Employers are not permitted to influence this decision.
  > In principle, there is no obligation to inform the university if you belong to the group of “begünstigt behinderte Personen”, but it is advisable to inform the university’s human resource department that you belong to this group. Otherwise the university cannot fulfil its duty of care.
  > Your imediate superiors will not be informed automatically, and certainly not without your consent!
  > If you change your mind, the “Feststellungsbescheid” can be withdrawn at any time.

• What else should be considered:

  Belonging to the group of “begünstigt behinderte Personen“ is still associated with stigmatisation in society and in many companies.
  Above all, the increased protection against dismissal afforded by belonging to the group of “begünstigt behinderte Personen“ has led and continues to lead to concerns:
  > Employees feared and continue to fear that applying for a “Feststellungsbescheid“ would prevent them from getting a job.
  > Employers feared and continue to fear dealing with people who have a “Feststellungsbescheid“ with increased protection against dismissal and an increased duty of care.
  
  On the other hand, employers must bear in mind that if they do not meet the mandatory employment quota for persons with disabilities (one person from the group of “begünstigt behinderte Personen” per 25 employees), they will have to pay a compensatory tax (of € 499,- per month for each unfilled mandatory position at the University of Salzburg).
  Therefore, amongst other reasons, many organisations – including the University of Salzburg – are keen to employ persons belonging to the group of “begünstigt behinderte Personen”.

• Commitment of the University of Salzburg

  The management of the University of Salzburg is committed to fulfilling the social obligations of a public university. It is particularly important to the university to practise inclusion in its core areas (research & teaching).
  Accordingly, the University of Salzburg strives to create an inclusive working environment. Achieving this is an ongoing process, in which barriers naturally still need to be broken down.
  
  We (the team of FGDD – Disability & Diversity) welcomes your comments, criticism and support! Please do not hesitate to contact us!

If you have any questions, comments or you would like a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us!

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