BAuA and TU workshop on the inclusive design of work
![](/storages/ait-reha/_processed_/9/4/csm_Zwischen_Forschung_und_Praxis_Workshop_von_BAuA_und_TU_im_Zeichen_der_inklusiven_Gestaltung_von_Arbeit_ec8b0ce6a7.jpg)
As part of the research project "Qualität der Teilhabe am Erwerbsleben – Die Arbeitssituation von Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen erfassen, beschreiben und gestalten" ("Quality of participation in working life - Recording, describing and shaping the work situation of people with disabilities") of the "Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health" in cooperation with the Technical University of Dortmund, a workshop was held on October 24, 2023, which brought together experts from various institutions in practice and research. The focus was on the challenges and potential for shaping the employment situation of people with disabilities. In addition to the reflection of research results by practitioners, the workshop served an important sub-goal of the project: the exchange with experts in self-advocacy.
After the event was opened by Dr. Tomke Gerdes from TU Dortmund University, JProf. Dr. Lena Hünefeld and Sophie Teborg presented the initial results of the research project. They looked at the data available to date on the working situation of people with disabilities in Germany and the international research landscape on the working conditions of people with disabilities.
Presentations by the invited experts on their own behalf - Thomas Richter (Kölner Verein für Rehabilitation e.V.) and Corinna Elling-Audersch (Deutsche Rheuma-Liga e.V.). - provided enriching insights into internal views and experiences.
Various players in the field of work design will presented support opportunities and challenges for participation from their areas of work: Marco Wilmsen (LVR-Inklusionsamt), Torsten Stern (Integrationsfachdienst Dortmund), Martin Bsdurek (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Schwerbehindertenvertretungen NRW).
In conclusion, it can be said that better implementation of legal requirements, simplification of financial support, strengthening of company players, (supra-regional) networking and cooperation between relevant areas and education and awareness-raising around health impairments are necessary to strengthen participation in employment. This opens up some new, albeit challenging, approaches for research. Overall, the workshop made a significant contribution to improving the contextual understanding of inclusive work design and provided valuable information on the conditions for successful inclusion in the workplace.
A big thank you to all participants who made the workshop a success with their numerous thoughts, tips and experiences.