Opening borders for people with disabilities

"Making life borderless for people with disabilities" is the joint motto of a research cooperation between CSHI (Center for Social & Health Innovation) at MCI and Diakonie Rosenheim, one of the largest providers of social services for people in Upper Bavaria. The EU-funded Interreg project aims to improve the social space-oriented and inclusive participation of women and men with disabilities in the areas of work & education, housing and leisure in the border region of Bavaria - Tyrol. The flagship project was launched at the height of the Corona crisis and focuses on a population group that is often talked about but rarely given its own voice.

Even though structures have already been formed between Bavaria and Tyrol that make cross-border living and working possible, demand-oriented care as well as the right of wish and choice for people with disabilities is difficult to achieve; they are often entrenched in the systems of their respective home countries. This is due to the lack of cross-border services, the lack of knowledge about services in the neighbouring country, the lack of knowledge about personal rights and administrative barriers.

The research project is based on the knowledge and experiences of people with disabilities, as well as on the experiences of relatives and experts in institutions and politics, and includes legal expertise. The aim is to create as solid a basis as possible for expanding existing services and improving access. The project will run from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021.

"We are firmly convinced - especially in times of isolation and the reintroduction of hard borders - to promote the networking of social, economic and political actors. This is above all also in the interest of vulnerable groups, who will be hardest hit by the consequences of current developments such as the difficult labour market situation and the strained public budget," the two project partners agree.

Project contact:

Sascha Gell, , Tel: +43 (0)512 2070-7423 Lukas Kerschbaumer, , Tel: +43 (0)512 2070-7421

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