Austrian Disability Ombudsperson

Overview

The Austrian Disability Ombudsman 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 Ombudsman 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 Ombudsman supports individual persons as well as closely works with NGOs, thus having gained a broad acceptance which also reflects on steadily rising case numbers.

Governing laws and regulations

Mandate

Sectors covered

Private, Public

Legal standing before the courts

Bringing proceedings in the name of the equality body [with or without an identifiable victim]

Functions

• Organising awareness raising and communication activities
• Advising government on the development, adoption and amendment of law and policy
• Monitoring national law and policy from an equality perspective
• Networking with relevant entities in the country and internationally

Fields and grounds

Other mandates of the institution

Standalone dedicated national equality body

Institution

Management and Appointments

Management

Single headed equality body (led by director or ombudsman/commissioner)

The Austrian Disability Ombudsman is appointed by the Minister of Social Affairs for a 4-year term.
To fulfill his duty, the Ombudsman is supported by an office of 8 staff members.

Regional or Local offices

This institution does not have regional officies.

Accountability

National Ministry