What support is available for people with disabilities in the workplace?
March 12, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Andreas Köhler
Dear lawyer,
My name is Tatiana Wunderlich and I am looking for information regarding support options for people with disabilities in the workplace.
Currently, I work in a small company as an office clerk, but I often encounter limitations due to my physical disabilities. Although my employer is generally willing to support me, there is often a lack of specific tools or adjustments to make my work easier. This not only leads to frustration on my part, but also to inefficient work performance and potentially long-term health issues.
Since I do not want to rely solely on my employer and am aware that there are legal regulations and support options available, I am reaching out to you. I am concerned about what my future in the workplace might look like and what concrete steps I can take to improve my situation.
Could you please explain in detail what legal regulations and support options exist for people with disabilities in the workplace? Are there financial support options that I can take advantage of to, for example, acquire special equipment or make adjustments in the workplace? What steps do I need to take to access this support and how can I ensure that my rights as a disabled employee are protected?
I thank you in advance for your help and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Tatiana Wunderlich
Dear Mrs. Wunderlich,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the support options for people with disabilities in the workplace. It is important that you inform yourself about your rights and options to improve your situation and make your workday more efficient.
In German social law, there are various legal regulations that are intended to support people with disabilities in the workplace. One of the most important regulations is the Social Code Nine (SGB IX), which promotes the participation of people with disabilities in the workforce. Within this framework, there is, for example, the Integration Office, which supports the integration of people with disabilities in the workplace and can provide financial assistance.
If you require special aids or adjustments to your workplace, you can contact the Integration Office or the Federal Employment Agency to apply for financial support. They can cover costs for technical aids, ergonomic workplace adjustments, or even work assistance.
To receive support, it is important that you submit an application to the relevant Integration Office and clearly outline your needs and limitations. It may also be useful to present a medical report to substantiate the need for aids or adjustments.
Furthermore, it is important that your rights as an employee with a disability are protected. The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) prohibits discrimination based on disability in the workplace. If you feel that your employer is violating your rights, you can seek assistance from a social law attorney to take legal action and represent your interests.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and encourages you to take the necessary steps to improve your situation in the workplace. If you have any further questions or need help with applications, I am happy to assist you.
Best regards,
Andreas Köhler
Attorney specializing in social law
