Create visibility – strengthen rights

On the occasion of the international protest day for me/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) on May 12, the lawyer calls for equal treatment for people with disabilities, Mag.a Christine Steger, the public and political decision-makers: inside for action.

Steger explains: “ME/CFS is a serious illness with often life -changing consequences. Many people in Austria are affected and at the same time medically under -supplied, socially disadvantaged and politically overlooked. This is no longer acceptable.”

Despite increasing number of cases and growing international recognition of the disease, there is no basic structures in Austria: there is not a single specialized treatment center, hardly any education in the health system and incomplete social security.

“When people lose their work because of ME/CFS, get little medical help and fall through the social network, this is not just a medical, but also an equality policy and social failure,” says Steger.

Therefore, the following demands are directed to politics and healthcare

• Appropriate consideration of ME/CFS in all assessments (e.g. care allowance, disability pass, etc.)

• Barrier -free medical care and nationwide supply concepts

• Mandatory training for ME/CFS In medicine, care and social work

• Legal clarity for the persons concerned

The international protest day is used worldwide by persons and organizations to draw attention to the often invisible reality of life of people with ME/CFS. In Austria, too, there will be various campaigns and protests in several cities.

“People with ME/CFS encounter massive hurdles when it comes to recognizing their illness and access to support services. The lack of visibility and lack of consideration in the authorities often lead to the fact that sick people fall through all grids. This contradicts the human rights entitlement to inclusion and participation,” emphasizes Steger.