[On the problem complex of the new act on the severely handicapped with respect to the workshop for the disabled (author's transl)].

One group of the disabled, i.e., the most severely handicapped, will not be able to benefit from the improvements brought about by the new Act on the Severely Handicapped, if the statutory orders of the Federal Government and the provisions of the Federal Employment Office are implemented as planned. In this event it would become extremely difficult for the severely physically handicapped to participate in the life of the community. The article demonstrates how a sheltered workshop for the disabled which, in part, looks after the most severely handicapped needing special care: - will not achieve recognition under 55 of the Act on the Severely Handicapped, - will not benefit from either institutional or individual support provided by the organisations of - the labour administration, - will not obtain contracts from either industrial or public enterprises because the orders cannot be set off against the equalisation payment, - cannot help their disabled employees to become eligible for social security benefits. This development which for the most severely handicapped represents a step backwards must be removed from those who are the most afflicted. It must not happen that efforts made at school to promote and integrate the disabled terminate in segregated facilities (nursing homes), which are run under different subsidy regulations. What is needed is a concept for appropriate care and support of the most severely handicapped and their integration into suitably equipped small groups within workshops for the disabled.