People with disabilities
People with disabilities or at risk of becoming disabled are naturally entitled to the same social security benefits and other assistance as other citizens; the relevant regulations apply to this group of people in the same way. This principle is reaffirmed by Article 3, Para. 3, second sentence of the "Grundgesetz" (the "Basic Law", Germany's constitution), in accordance with which no one may be discriminated against on the grounds of their disability ... [i]
Volume IX of Germany's Code of Social Law, which entered into force on 1 July 2001, drastically improved the situation of disabled persons. It helps people with disabilities or at risk of becoming disabled to manage their affairs independently as far as possible. The new law replaces welfare with the idea of participation. "Participation" means providing disabled persons with the necessary social security benefits to enable them to take part in life in society and, in particular, in the world of work. ... [i]
The "Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz" (Act on Equal Opportunities for the Disabled, BGG) came into force on 1 May 2002. It sets out the requirements for ensuring equal opportunities for disabled persons in the domain of public law, to the extent that the federal government is responsible, and plays a key role in implementing the ban on discrimination stipulated in Article 3, Para. 3, sentence 2 of the "Grundgesetz" ("No one may be discriminated against on account of their disability")… [ii]
The following pages contain links to various sources of information concerning occupational safety and health and persons with disabilities.
[i] Source/copyright: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
[ii] Source/copyright: Federal Government Commissioner for the Interests of the Disabled
