Austrian coalition demands more resources for inclusive education

A coalition of approximately 30 disability and education initiatives in Austria has launched a series of “action days” to demand increased funding and personnel for inclusive education. Under the slogan “Education for all instead of opportunities for a few,” the group is organizing demonstrations across seven federal states through October 22.

The campaign includes scheduled protests in Klagenfurt, Linz, Graz, Innsbruck, Bregenz, Dornbirn, Feldkirch, Salzburg, and a final demonstration in Vienna. The organizers intend to present their formal demands to the Ministry of Education during the Vienna event.

Key demands include the expansion of inclusive kindergarten places to combat specialist shortages and the removal of caps on special educational support (SPF). According to Statistics Austria, while 5% of compulsory school students (approximately 31,400 children) required special educational support in 2024/25, current financial equalization only provides additional resources for 2.7% of students. The coalition is also calling for increased support through school assistance, social work, psychology, and school nursing.