Austrian Disability Ombudsman
Overview:
The Austrian Disability Ombudswoman supports persons who feel discriminated against on the grounds of disability.
Protection against discrimination by law encompasses employment-related issues as well as access to goods and services.
Brief history
The Austrian Disability Ombudswoman was founded in 2006 by an Act of Parliament together with the introduction of a major shift in anti-discrimination law regarding Austria’s implementation of directive EC 78/2000.
The Austrian Disability Ombudswoman supports individual persons as well as closely works with NGOs, thus having gained a broad acceptance which also reflects on steadily rising case numbers.
Mandate Type
Predominantly tribunal-type (quasi-judicial) body
Litigation power:
- Bringing proceedings in own name
- Formally deciding on complaints (e.g. decision or recommendation addressed to the parties) Not legally binding
Activities
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities aimed at supporting vulnerable groups ( e.g. through trainings ) | |||||||||||
| Activities aimed at supporting duty bearers such as employers and service providers (e.g. through trainings, guidance material, practical support, etc.) | |||||||||||
| Communication activities (e.g. awareness raising campaigns) | |||||||||||
| Recommendations on discrimination issues | |||||||||||
| Publications and reports | |||||||||||
| Research projects (including surveys) |
Other statistics:
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of inquiries handled per year (all contact even if not resulting in a formal complaint) | 1238 | 941 | 1009 | 1087 | 1324 | 1411 | 1712 | 1391 | 1376 | 1461 | 1663 |
| Number of cases handled per year (case files opened and processed according to your procedures) | 738 | 567 | 580 | 615 | 668 | 737 | 803 | 622 | 644 | 646 | 696 |
| Number of media appearances per year (major newspapers/magazines/websites/blogs, TV + radio channels) - does not include social media | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 45 | 55 | 70 | 80 | 85 |
Management
- Single headed equality body (led by director or ombudsman/commissioner)
Management details
The Austrian Disability Ombudswoman is appointed by the Minister of Social Affairs for a 4-year term.
To fulfill his duty, the Ombudswoman is supported by an office of 8 staff members.
Number of staff dealing with equality issues
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
Grounds and fields of discrimination covered by the equality body
| Grounds / Fields | Employment | Education | Housing | Social Protection & Healthcare | Goods and Services | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||||||
| Gender Identity | ||||||
| Race and Ethnic Origin | ||||||
| Age | ||||||
| Disability | ||||||
| Sexual Orientation | ||||||
| Religion & Belief |
Mandate covers:
- Public sector
- Private sector
Operating budget in euros
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31000 | 31000 | 31000 | 31000 | 31000 | 31000 | 41000 | 67000 |
Operating budget in euros for the parts of the organisation dealing with equality issues (all types of functions)
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31000 | 31000 | 31000 | 31000 | 31000 | 31000 | 41000 | 67000 |
We are accountable to
- National Ministry
- The Disability Ombudswoman reports to the Minister of Social Affairs and the Federal Disabled Persons' Advisory Board
Full name in English
Austrian Disability OmbudsmanFull name in the national language(s):
Anwalt für Gleichbehandlungsfragen für Menschen mit BehinderungenPostal address
Anwalt für Gleichbehandlungsfragen für Menschen mit Behinderungen Babenbergerstraße 5/4
1010 Vienna
Austria