Integration
and inclusion

Integration policy is a comprehensive approach that aims to encourage the social, linguistic and political integration of people. All institutions such as Public Employment Service Austria (AMS), educational institutions, authorities, hospitals, civil society institutions and also leisure and sports facilities are required to develop special diversity competences. Increasing use is being made in this area of digital training and information tools. German language skills are a key prerequisite for permanent residency. Digital technology can be used to provide information and services.

Measures

  • Expand multilingual service platforms to provide information and learning materials and to facilitate the recognition of professional qualifications
  • Expand the services provided by companies and individuals within integration policy networks
  • Increase the teaching of digital skills to specific target groups and their opportunities to access the necessary hardware
  • Connect volunteers and NGOs through digital applications to facilitate integration and language acquisition

The aim of digital inclusion is to provide all people with the necessary tools for information and communication technologies in order to minimize digital divides in terms of access, education, income and gender. The risk of people without access to the Internet being at a significant disadvantage may increase. To provide everyone with access to digital services, nationwide implementation of ICT accessibility is required in accordance with the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the National Action Plan for People with Disabilities. In addition to the provision of similar alternative services, reducing the number of people who are offline is a top priority.

Websites and mobile applications (apps) should be made more accessible for users, in particular people with disabilities, in accordance with common EU-wide standards and must be perceivable (through sight, hearing and touch), operable (all input devices, such as keyboard, mouse and touchscreen, must be supported), understandable and robust (with no technical errors so that content can be easily interpreted by assistive technologies such as screen readers). Language should be simple and easy to understand to make information accessible to as many people as possible.

Measures

  • Push accessibility forward by implementing the EU directive on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies
  • Promote accessibility in administration and increase the use of standard procedures to check the accessibility of IT products
  • Consolidate the initiatives of businesses and NGOs to bridge the digital divide; support the acquisition of ICT and media skills for the elderly and people without ICT knowledge, while ensuring gender equality
  • Combat functional illiteracy and improve foreign language skills as a basis for digital participation
  • Increase the use of easier-to-read versions by public sector bodies