A supported employment model for persons with intellectual and severe disabilities

Solution
mittendrin (Right in the Middle) programme
Organization
arbas Tirol
Country of Implementation
Austria
Region
Europe
Subregion
Western Europe
Start Year
2013
First published
03.12.2024

Arbas Tirol in Austria’s Mittendrin program supported 104 individuals with disabilities by 2024, with 76 securing open-market jobs. The program focuses on personalized support and mentorship.

A young man with Down syndrome smiles while preparing vegetables in a kitchen. His enthusiasm reflects an inclusive work environment where individuals with disabilities contribute meaningfully, fostering independence and skill-building.
arbas Tirol supports people with high support needs to find jobs in the open labour market.

Solution details

People

Ramona Weber Website
“Without the support of mittendrin, I wouldn’t have made it so far. Now I am independent.” Annika, employed through the mittendrin programme

Arbas Tirol is a regional DPO in Tyrol, Austria, promoting inclusive employment. Its ‘mittendrin’ programme, started in 2013, aids individuals with high support needs, especially those with learning difficulties, to find jobs in the open labour market. The programme provides personalized support through future planning, work experience, mentorship, and workplace assistance. By 2024 mittendrin had supported 104 individuals, with 76 securing jobs.

Problems Targeted

People with high support needs, particularly those with learning difficulties, rarely find employment in the primary labour market.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Arbas Tirol, a social service organization based in Innsbruck, initiated the ‘mittendrin’ programme in 2013 to support individuals with high support needs, particularly those with learning difficulties and multiple disabilities, in securing employment in the open labour market. This programme seeks to avoid the Austrian system of sheltered workshops, which do not provide social security coverage or adequate salaries. Mittendrin employs personal future planning methods to identify participants’ talents, aspirations, and potential work environments. It also arranges work experience placements, supporting and closely collaborating with employers. The jobs are often customized to fit both the individual’s and the company’s requirements, spanning various sectors including retail, logistics, hospitality, office work, and childcare. Once employment is secured, mittendrin provides continuous support in the workplace to ensure the employees can effectively manage their professional responsibilities. Within the company, a designated mentor acts as the primary contact for the individual with a disability. Depending on the specific needs of the employee, personal assistance may be provided indefinitely at the workplace. Additionally, mittendrin offers advisory services to companies on topics such as funding and inclusion, and serves as a resource for people with disabilities, their families, and their support networks. As of 2024, mittendrin had assisted 104 individuals, with 76 of them successfully securing positions in the open labour market.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The state of Tyrol funds the mittendrin programme and covers the costs for mittendrin services and personal assistance in the workplace. Arbas Tyrol aims to expand mittendrin across Austria. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Media

Pictures

A young man with Down syndrome smiles while preparing vegetables in a kitchen. His enthusiasm reflects an inclusive work environment where individuals with disabilities contribute meaningfully, fostering independence and skill-building. arbas Tirol supports people with high support needs to find jobs in the open labour market.
A young man with Down syndrome smiles while preparing vegetables in a kitchen. His enthusiasm reflects an inclusive work environment where individuals with disabilities contribute meaningfully, fostering independence and skill-building. arbas Tirol supports people with high support needs to find jobs in the open labour market.

Related information

Connections
2

Solutions with the same:

Country of Implementation

Austria

Region of Implementation

Europe