National Preventive Mechanism Efficient representation of interests requires resources Self-representation and communal co-determination within the everyday institutional routine strengthens persons with disabilities. As a result, rules for living together can be experienced as comprehensible and changeable through own or communal initiatives. This refers to both the area of housing and occupational therapy as well as day-care. However, structural prerequisites and framework conditions are needed in order to effectively implement self-representation and participation. The commissions repeatedly found a lack of comprehensively participative decision-making structures and coordination processes that could have opened up options for action vis-à-vis decisions made by management. Self-representation is a logical consequence of the practical implementation of the principle of self-determination within the meaning of UN CRPD. However, supporting measures are a prerequisite for this. Effectively communicating and implementing – if necessary through representatives – such issues as organising themselves, demanding information in a comprehensible form, sharing ideas about concepts and alternatives, networking with external parties, coordinating demands and community concerns, requires processes that must be learned and experienced. Self-representation needs supportive conditions While access to informational events, seminars and continuing education to increase the efficiency of action in and for advocacy groups are open to persons without disabilities, for persons with disabilities in institutions and facilities, this is not a matter of course. As a result of dependent relationships, in the context of everyday routine, there is always the risk that interests and needs of the residents retreat behind those of the operators of facilities, the care organisation and the staff. Therefore, establishing and ensuring opportunities for self-representation is primarily about dismantling a structural relationship of power and subordination that persons with disabilities are subject to in all areas of their lives. As the care of persons with disabilities falls in the legislative authority of the Laender, the specifications for framework conditions vary Austria-wide and are largely deficient. The Upper Austrian Equal Opportunities Act stipulates the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes and the creation of “suitable forms of representation” for the area of housing, for measures regarding sheltered work programmes, etc. Even the obligation on the part of operators of facilities to support creation of such advocacy groups was standardised (Sections 35, 37 of the Upper Austrian Equal Opportunities Act). Deficient legislation on part of the Laender In contrast, relevant regulations in other Laender – to the extent that such regulations exist – leave such processes up to self-organisation and voluntary arrangements by the institutions. For example, in accordance with Section 129