A book that describes the German workshop system in English language. That is “United in Diversity”. More and more German workshops cooperate with international partners. Many institutions are in close contact with their European neighbours and must therefore face the challenge of explaining the complex system of German workshops to them. How was this type of institution established in Germany and how did it develop along the years? In what way does work in workshops differ from work done by common employees? Which laws secure offers of adapted work for persons who require high support? [more]

The German Federal Government has published a summarized version in English of the Report on the Situation of Persons with Disabilities . It describes the achievements of the 16th Legislative Period but also the issues that need to be addressed by the new Government to be elected in September 2009. [more]

The new parents guide on inclusive teaching is now available on the internet. The brochure was presented on 3 August 2009 by Karin Evers-Meyer, the Federal Commissioner for Matters relating to Disabled Persons, and by Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Gemeinsam leben – gemeinsam lernen e. V. (Federal association living together – learning together). This guide on joint teaching for parents of disabled children contains information on the existing possibilities of inclusive teaching in each Federal State as well as advice from parents who have made experiences with joint teaching. [more]

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the di.hako-group in Trappenkamp. At this location, the company manufactures special-purpose vehicles for extensive cleaning, tending and logistics – it is the biggest integration company in Schleswig-Holstein. [more]

In a letter to Günter Mosen, chairman of BAG WfbM, the Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer has confirmed his patronage of next year’s workshop fair “Werkstätten:Messe 2010” in Nuremberg from 11th to 14th March. In his letter he wrote: “I am very glad about your request to take over the patronage of the ‘Werkstätten:Messe 2010’. I regard it as a sign of affection and esteem. I am pleased to accept this honourable task.” [more]

The German Federal Government has presented, once again, its definitions and positions on the ascertainment of requirements, the term “disability” and the personal budget. The government advocates the development of a standardized federal method to ascertain requirements. Currently, there are innumerable methods in existence that are hardly compatible with each other. [more]

Social responsibility is compatible with profit maximisation even in times of economic crises. This important message was recently underlined in an impressive feature in a German newspaper about the car manufacturer Volkswagen. [more]

On Wednesday, 17 June 2009, the fourth Joint Conference of Workshop Councils and the Social Democrats (SPD) in the German Bundestag will take place. Workshop councils represent the interests of disabled employees within workshops. They concentrate on workshop matters and contribute to the process of making decisions. SPD supports this special role of Workshop Councils by organizing the conference. [more]

Since 1 January 2009, Supported Employment became law in Germany: „The aim of supported employment is to give and maintain appropriate, suitable employment liable to social security payment to disabled persons with need of special support. Supported Employment encompasses an individual qualification within the company and, if needed, accompanied employment in the profession. “ [more]

“Eucrea Deutschland e. V.” and “Allerhand Creativity Workshop” belonging to Gemeinnützige Werkstätten Köln GmbH invite people with mental disabilities to enter a design contest. This contest, which is encouraged by BAG WfbM, offers creative disabled people a comparative evaluation of their ideas and conceptual design by a professional jury. Candidates get also the chance of presenting the art objects to the public if their results are successful. [more]

Ulrich Fischer, the protestant bishop of the federal state of Baden-Württenberg, demands a minimum wage for workshop employees, based on the pay scale of the open labour market. The payment of the 17,000 people employed in workshops belonging to Diakonie and Caritas in Baden-Württenberg is very low. In times of economic crisis the current wages are unsufficient. [more]

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs intends to promote personalised budgets. Personalised budgets were introduced into German law in 2008. As a new tool, personalised budgets are designed to enable persons with disabilities to a more independant life. [more]

Since 26 March 2009, the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is binding under international law in Germany. The first human rights convention of the new millennium does not claim any special rights for persons with disabilities, but aims to guarantee equal rights for everybody. For that special group of persons whose human rights have hardly been in the public eye, there still remains a lot to do. [more]

In early March, BAG WfbM has been appointed board member of the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) at a meeting in Barcelona. Ralf Hagemeier, deputy chairman of BAG WfbM, will perform this task. [more]

The Workshop Fair 2009 ended with a new record result. During four days, 15,124 visitors came to hall 12 of the CongressCentre Nuremberg. This represents an increase of 25 per cent compared to the previous year. [more]