It is a core endeavour of the Federal Government to develop an inclusive world of work. Having work means personal independence and self-affirmation. It is fundamental for the self-realisation of most people in our working society. By providing Euro 100 million for the “Inclusion Initiative” programme, the Federal Government will be ensuring greater employment of persons with disabilities.
Many persons with disabilities do not find a job on the first labour market. Their unemployment rate is above average. Many juveniles with a disability do not find a regular in-company training place. The “Initiative for Training and Employment” addresses large numbers of stakeholders who can contribute towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the general labour market.
In addition, Euro 100 million will be provided in the context of the “Inclusion Initiative”. It has been developed together with the Länder, the Federal Employment Agency, chambers of trade and industry, as well as integration offices and main welfare agencies. It tackles the point where vocational orientation is decided, that is in schools. It encompasses better vocational orientation and an expansion of in-company training for juveniles with serious disabilities. The Federal Government would therefore like to make the vocational orientation of pupils with serious disabilities much easier and to promote the in-company training of juveniles with serious disabilities in recognised training occupations. It sets incentives, and above all it also creates an awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises for the training and employment of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the employment of elderly workers with disabilities is to be promoted from this programme.
At the same time, Germany sees itself confronted as a result of demographic development by a future drop in the number of persons in gainful employment. For this reason, the Federal Government will be presenting a concept to hold onto specialist workers, providing amongst other things for activating the potential for specialist workers within the country. These also include persons with disabilities.
Anyone working today in a workshop for persons with disabilities should have the opportunity to also claim certain benefits from other providers. For this reason, the reorientation of the law on workshops is being discussed in a Federation-Länder working party. The Federal Government is endeavouring here to bring about a marked strengthening of the individual-centred approach.