Anti-discrimination Difficult purchase of discounted opera tickets for persons with disabilities The removal of barriers and the equal treatment of persons with disabilities are necessary in all areas: in existential areas such as health, housing and work but also in the areas of leisure, culture and sports. Revmoval of barriers necessary in all areas A visually impaired couple from abroad wanted to order reduced tickets for the Volksoper for their visit to Vienna. During a telephone call, they were informed that persons with disabilities cannot order or purchase reduced tickets for the Volksoper in advance by telephone. These tickets can only be sold at the box office an hour before the performance begins, in which case it is unlikely that the desired seats are still available. The couple contacted the AOB. Initial research by the AOB showed that also at the Austrian State Opera reduced tickets for persons with disabilities can only be obtained at the box office shortly before the performance. What is also worthy of criticism is that there is no information about discounts for persons with disabilities on the websites of both opera houses, while there is information about price reductions for other groups of people. Having said that, there is information about reductions for persons with disabilities at the Burgtheater, which is also one of the Austrian federal theatres. No advance sale for reduced opera tickets Pursuant to Article 30 UN CRPD, the signatories recognise the equal right of persons with disabilities to participate in cultural life. In particular, all suitable measures are to be taken to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to theatres and other venues for cultural performances. The difficulty in purchasing opera tickets for persons with disabilities does not comply with these regulations. From a legal equal opportunities point of view, this should be changed. In his statement to the AOB, the Federal Minister for Arts and Culture, Constitution and Media announced improvements. He also stated that a solution for all of the Austrian federal theatres was planned in agreement with disability organisations by the end of the current season 2016/17. Improvement announced AOB makes fishing easier for persons with disabilities Another step towards removing barriers in the leisure area for persons with disabilities was made in the year under review. The AOB already reported about its nationwide investigation of fishing for persons with disabilities (see Annual Report 2014, p. 50). The investigation was initiated by a complaint from an association that supports the participation of persons with disabilities in fishing as a sport. 37