Life Aid Graz and Surroundings – Voitsberg [AT]

This report focuses on the role of adapted work settings in the international framework provided by the UNCRPD; in particular, special attention has been given to Article 26 and 27, as they both deal with principles, measures and services offered by adapted work settings.
Adapted work settings, commonly known also as sheltered workshops, are not referred to in the UNCRPD. This requires clarifications for the thousands of people that benefit from their services and whose future looks therefore uncertain.
The analysis was carried out starting from three main subjects:
- what the Convention brought in general terms through its paradigm shift and the subsequent challenges for social services
- the analysis of the current text of Article 26 and 27 and the links to the role of sheltered workshop matters
- the history of the discussions around the inclusion of sheltered workshops in the UN CRPD.

Services like sheltered workshops may sometimes and very often fulfill more than one function for persons with disabilities, thus their compliance to the UN CRPD articles is particularly sensitive. In the framework of a holistic approach to persons with disabilities, where disability itself is not the focus of attention, but everything is about the individual and the enjoyment of his rights, it is of utter importance to keep a good balance between the multitude of skills, personal choices, possibilities of individual development and society’s response.    
The report provides a state of play of possible links existing between sheltered workshops and the UN CRPD in order to gain a view on future developments needed in the provision of work opportunities to persons with (intellectual) disabilities.

The full report is available here.

For more information on the report please contact Ms. Sabrina Ferraina at sabrina.ferraina@easpd.eu.

Lebenshilfe Graz und Umgebung - Voitsberg has over 40 years of experience in working with disabled people and their families, providing adult education services including inclusive adult education services for disabled individuals, the formulation and conception of curricula and handbooks, offering expert knowledge in Eu-project cooperation, and networking on a national and international level. 

Our Programs

We offer people with disabilities and their parents and relatives the following services: early childhood intervention, respite care, family and partner counselling, full-time, part-time and mobile living assistance, work, occupation and vocational training in day, centres, workshops, companies and special training projects, educational, recreational and holiday possibilities for people with disabilities, participation in EU-projects on a national and transnational level. 

Our People

The type and intensity of disability of the people supported and accompanied varies from slight mental disability/learning difficulties to severe mental and physical disability demanding a high degree of care. Presently, about 900 children, teenagers, adults, and elderly people with disabilities use the services of our organisation. Approximately 500 people work for our organization.

Our Vision

“Live and Work Like Others:“ The non-profit organization Lebenshilfe (Life Aid) accompanies and supports people with disabilities according to this principle. Our aim and vision is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities building a self-determined, integrated and normal life.

Geographical areas

where our services take place: Graz, surrounding area and West Styria 

All information about Lebenshilfe Graz is available at:

Lebenshilfe Graz und Umgebung - Voitsberg

Postbus 90903

Conrad von Hötzendorf Straße , 37a 

8010, Graz- Austria 

Tel. ++43/ 316 71 55 06 810 

Fax ++43/ 316 71 55 06 999

Website: www.lebenshilfe-guv.at

Contact person for PASS IT ON within Lebenshilfe Graz: Ms. Sabine Prettenhofer