The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has launched a special Web feature to support the European Year of People with Disabilities. It provides practical information about making work adjustments, adaptations, technological assistance and other measures to facilitate the integration and retention in employment of people with disabilities.

The Web feature disability.osha.eu.int includes guidelines, advice, practical case studies from the workplace level, details of programmes and strategies in this area as well as policy discussion documents. The information providers range from disability organizations, occupation health and safety organizations to government departments, employers and trade union organizations.

Hans Horst Konkolewsky, Director of the Agency, commenting on the launch of the site said: "Too often disabled people are refused jobs or lose their job because employers believe that is not possible to adapt workplaces or ways of working to accommodate them. This Web feature demonstrates that there is a wealth of information available to help companies take positive actions to create safe and healthy workplaces for a diverse workforce."

Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou said: "The integration of people with disabilities into mainstream employment is not only a question of equal rights but it also makes economic sense. Research shows that disabled employees often achieve higher levels of job performance and have better attendance records. By improving the availability and exchange of practical information on employing people with disabilities, this site is making an important contribution towards a more inclusive workplace."