The ministers and senators of labour and social affairs of the sixteen federal states in Germany met for their annual ministerial conference in Berlin in November. The aim of the meeting is to achieve a better understanding and mutual cooperation between the Federal states in the area of labour and social policies.

Concerning the policy for disabled persons, the ministers declared at the end of the conference:

‘The ministers and senators of labour and social affairs of the sixteen federal states in Germany consider it an important task for society to enable persons with disabilities to an equal participation. Self-determination – Partaking – Equality should be the guidelines for future political actions!

The goal is a successful paradigm shift in policy for and with people with disabilities. The focus is the person with disability as a subject and not as an object of thoughtful action.’

The Federal Association of workshops for adapted work in Germany (BAG WfbM) sees this statement as a confirmation of its own political goals. In the recently issued paper ‘Courage for the future’, the BAG WfbM stipulates equal participation rights for disabled persons. In this context, the right to a self-determined participation in work life must be more important than whether the person is employed inside or outside the general labour market The BAG WfbM will continue to work towards strengthening the rights and opportunities of disabled persons.