Fields of Expertise

Social Inclusion and Innovation

 

Inclusion means giving people at the margins of society, or in particularly precarious situations, access to relevant social systems such as education, work, homes, energy and mobility. This requires openness both on the part of the established majority and of disadvantaged people and groups.

The research area “Social Inclusion and Innovation” at the August Aichhorn Institute of Social Work examines forms of social inclusion and the innovations on which they rely. In the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, access to education and support for people with disabilities and special needs is defined as a right to inclusion. Striving for social inclusion is also one productive approach to involving socially marginalised groups and special needs groups. For example:

  • People living a precarious existence and at risk of poverty
  • People who are ill, or with low standards of education
  • Refugees and migrants
  • Regional, national and international projects will explore the ways in which the services offered by organisations must change, and identify the innovations which promote inclusive educational, family and social policy, as well as social development and cohesion.