Der Stellenwert der Schwerbehindertenvertretung in der betrieblichen Inklusion

An inclusive work environment is an important foundation for a self-determined and equal participation of people with disabilities and health impairments in society. Through the legal anchoring and practical implementation of the Representative Body for Severely Disabled Employees (Schwerbehindertenvertretung), employee representation for the inclusion of people with disabilities can be shaped. Based on a survey of 1552 representatives of employees with severe disabilities in German companies, the article shows that their work is characterised by close proximity to their target group and that they thus fulfil an important representative and supportive function. It also clarifies that the actions and the scope of actions of the representatives of employees with severe disabilities are influenced by the expectations and interests of various actors, such as those of disabled colleagues as well as those of the employer and the works and staff councils. Against this background, there emerge role conflicts that need to be addressed through specific further training courses.