To improve justice and equality – that is one of the main political goals of the European Union (EU). Discrimination has negative effects on all attempts of social integration and seriously undermines EU employment policy. The EU stands for the right of equality and a life free of discrimination. These ideas are two of the founding pillars of the European Union. [more]

For several years, BAG WfbM has closely cooperated with the Hungarian Organization of Protected Plants (VSZOSZ). Now VSZOSZ decided to join the European Federation of Employers in the Social Sector (F.E.D.E.S.). [more]

The President of the German Red Cross, Rudolf Seiters, urged the industrial countries to spend more money and to pool their support for people in distress. However, he pointed out that a lot remained to be done not only in the international context, but that it was absolutely necessary to tackle problems in Germany as well. [more]

On 26th October 2007, the closing event of the countrywide campaign Participation Days '06/'07 takes place at the "Bear Hall" of the "Old Town House" in Berlin. We can now look back on a successful year of activities consisting of 365 Participation Days. [more]

The European Disability Forum (EDF)’s campaign in favour of stronger disability legislation in Europe, called "1million4disability", is constantly approaching the target figure of one million signatures. At the time being, more than half of the Member States have achieved their required quota! [more]

On 22nd of August 2007, a first meeting of the recently founded Federation of European Employers in the Social Sector (F.E.D.E.S.) took place at the BAG WfbM headquarters in Frankfurt. Representatives of three national umbrella organisations which included French and Hungarian colleagues were present to discuss the legal foundations and basic principles of the association that has been brought into being by the French Association of Friends and Relatives of People with Disabilities (FEGAPEI) last December. [more]

As a follow up to the White Paper on services of general interests, the European Commission (EC) adopted a Communication called "Social services of general interests in the European Union". This Communication gives a broad description of social services. [more]

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs hosted the European Conference on the Integration of Persons with Disabilities which was attended by renowned international experts. The conference was held under the motto "Education, employment, accessibility - empowering persons with disabilities". [more]

BAG WfbM is member in many European associations dealing with issues to promote a higher participation of persons with disabilities in active life. To respond to the Commission's findings, it is crucial to start a broader discussion about national rehabilitation services offered in workshops. Many negative views are existing throughout Europe when it comes to institutional rehabilitation. Wrong images about closed away persons do not reflect the variety of actions towards society undertaken by workshops. Most of these rehabilitation centres are very open, embedded in an integration system for persons with disabilities.

In may 2007 BAG WfbM hosted a three-day conference in Cologne to discuss workshop matters and ways of integration in work-life. Amongst the audience were representatives from over 200 non-governmental organisations dealing with integration matters for persons with disabilities. [more]

Next year’s workshop fair will take place 22nd February till 25th February 2007 in Nuremberg. Hungary will be our guest of honour. 13 Hungarian workshops will present themselves and their products at a shared booth. Our partner organisation VSZOSZ will explain the Hungarian way of participation in work life. Furthermore, we expect Hungarian music and some other cultural highlights. Should you require further information about the fair, please contact either the e-mail-addresses below or the fair directly under cerstin.probst@nuernbergmesse.de We are looking forward to welcoming you at the fair next year in Nuremberg.

The former prime minister of the Czech Republic and current head of the commission employment, social affairs and equal opportunities Vladimir SPIDLA has taken over the patronage for the European Conference in Cologne 2007. The conference contributes outstandingly to the European year of equal opportunities for all. It promotes participation rights to all citizens whatever their disabilities. The commission allowed us to use its logo with the additional phrase: "Under the patronage of Vladimir Spidla, Member of the European Commission."

After a strategic review, BAG WfbM is now ready to deeper engage workshop matters on a European level. Recently, partner organisations have been contacted in order to attempt to create a group specialized in workshop details. This initiative is necessary, after a communique called "Social services of general interests in the European Union", published by the European Commission (EC). [more]

For the second time, the Fair of Sheltered Workshops takes place in exhibition hall 12 of the Nuremberg Fair. Over 180 exhibitors present their products and services on 10.000 sqm of exhibition area. More than 8.000 visitors are expected to come to the fair. [more]

During the last general assembly of EASPD in Brussels, BAG WfbM asked for support to establish an interest group to put workshop matters on the political agenda. This initiative is part of a strategy to better promote adapted work opportunities for persons with disabilities. [more]