Nora Steinacher

Arbas Tirol, a DPO based in Innsbruck, launched the programme ‘mittendrin’ in 2013. Mittendrin offers support for people with high support needs, particularly those with learning difficulties and multiple disabilities, to find employment in the open labour market (in contrast to the Austrian system of sheltered workshops which do not provide social security coverage or decent salaries). Mittendrin uses personal future planning methods to identify participants' talents, dreams and potential work environments. It also organizes work experience placements, working together and supporting employers at the same time. Jobs are often tailored to combine the individual's and the company's needs. The range of jobs extends from retail, logistics, hospitality, office work to childcare. Once a job was found, ‘mittendrin’ provides ongoing support at the workplace to ensure that employees can manage their work life effectively. A mentor within the company acts as the main contact for the person with a disability. In addition, depending on the individual's needs, personal assistance can be provided in the workplace indefinitely. Mittendrin advises companies on issues such as funding and inclusion also and is an important contact point for people with disabilities, their relatives and their support networks. By 2024, Mittendrin supported 104 people, 76 of whom were able to find employment in the primary labor market.