The first congress for accessibility officers on October 30, 2025 in Vienna offers orientation and networking.
With the new Accessibility Act (BaFG) and the requirement to appoint accessibility officers, which came into effect at the beginning of the year, Austrian companies face a new challenge. The goal is to consistently implement accessibility in all areas – from buildings to digital offerings to communication. However, in practice, uncertainty prevails in many places. The first conference for accessibility officers on October 30, 2025, at the Catamaran Vienna offers guidance, concrete practical examples, and ample opportunity for networking.
Key role for accessibility officers
Accessibility is not a marginal issue: According to Statistics Austria, almost two million people in Austria live with a health impairment, around 760,000 of whom are officially registered as people with disabilities.
Accessibility officers play a key role as the interface between companies, employees, customers, and partners. "They translate legal requirements into practice and ensure that accessibility is not just written down but lived in everyday life," says Valerie Clarke, Managing Director of Inclusion24 GmbH (a company of Assistenz24 gemeinnützige GmbH), which is organizing the conference together with the ÖZIV Federal Association (advocacy group for people with disabilities) and the ÖGB Chances Benefits Office.
"Accessibility officers are pioneers of participation. They need clear skills, knowledge, and networks to successfully fulfill their role," says Clarke. But it's not just appointed accessibility officers who are addressed: "Managers, HR managers, diversity officers, or anyone who feels personally committed to advancing accessibility will also benefit from this conference."
Many questions – high pressure to act
The new requirements in the Accessibility Act are clear: Only a few exceptions are permitted, and violations can result in fines of up to €80,000 for companies. The Disabled Persons Employment Act, which also regulates the appointment of accessibility officers, lacks specific requirements – for example, regarding responsibilities, resources, or the organizational placement of the accessibility officer's role. "The feedback from companies varies greatly. Some place the role in human resources, others in the legal department or facility management. The employment conditions are also still being discussed in many places," explains Clarke.
"Precisely because so many questions remain unanswered, exchange and common standards are needed. The congress is the platform for learning from one another and moving forward together," emphasizes Rudolf Krawanja, President of the ÖZIV Federal Association.
For Patrick Berger, head of the ÖGB's Opportunities & Benefits Office, one thing is clear: "Accessibility should not be seen as an additional burden, but rather as a quality feature of modern organizations. Accessibility officers are a key driver of this – they make inclusion visible and effective."
Congress reflects lived inclusion
Under the patronage of Minister of Social Affairs and Consumer Protection Korinna Schumann and Vienna's Deputy Mayor Bettina Emmerling, the congress offers a diverse program: keynote speeches, panel discussions, practical workshops, and an awareness-raising mile with concrete challenges in everyday life for people with disabilities invites visitors to try out new approaches. An accompanying trade exhibition showcases solutions for greater accessibility – from structural measures to digital tools and sign language services.
The congress itself offers examples of inclusion in action: through sign language and written interpretation, an induction system, and personal assistants from Assistenz24 gem. GmbH to support participants during the congress.
"Our message is clear: Accessibility is not a nice-to-have, but a must-have. Accessibility officers are key players in this. And everyone who feels compelled to strengthen accessibility in their environment is invited to be part of this conference. Those who act now will not only protect themselves legally but also unlock new potential – from happier employees and new customers to a sustainably inclusive corporate culture," says Clarke.
Congress for Accessibility Officers
- October 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Catamaran Event Center, Johann-Böhm-Platz 1, 1020 Vienna
Participation fee: 95 euros (excl. 20% VAT)
Information & registration: www.inclusion24.com