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. BAG WfbM decided to ask for more support within the membership in order to better influence politicians in the European Union and to improve the existing negative image.

The necessity became clear after the Commission's communication on social services of general interest. A two year study will analyse the legal frames and the significance of social institutions in the member states. The study is supposed to lead to a decision on how to further develop these services in the future.

BAG WfbM's contacts to members of the European parliament have shown that discussions are under way on whether to establish a new regulation or not. The problem is that these centres of socio-medical rehabilitation produce services and products as a result of their rehabilitation efforts to be sold afterwards on local markets. As they get state subsidy to fulfil their rehabilitation mission, one might think that these financial supports are contrary to the competition rules.

Interested to get involved? Feel free to contact us or Sonia Stoskowiak within the EASPD network.