Institutions for persons with disabilities all, more independent living and their own income are mentioned as desirable perspectives in interviews with persons with disabilities. Another demand, the standardised regulation of “personal assistance”, is also included in the government programme. In this context, it is, first of all, important that no group is excluded as a matter of principle, for example persons with cognitive and/or mental impairments. Second, “personal assistance” shall be structured such that a self-determined life must be possible for the clients in both the leisure and work area. Many personal assistants conclude free service contracts with their clients. However, in reality these are dependent employment relationships in many cases. This means that the clients can be confronted with retrospective payments, for example compulsory insurance. Those affected are often unaware of this. Personal assistance The development of a new National Action Plan on Disability (NAP on Disability) is a good opportunity to improve the situation of persons with disabilities. This is currently being drafted by civic groups and selfrepresentatives as well as the Laender with the involvement of the NPM. It is planned to be in force by December 2030 and it should be implemented from January 2021. The large number of relevant topics is being dealt with in 25 groups. The number of individual teams demonstrates the enormous scope of spheres that still need to be structured in conformity with human rights. In this context, not only the involvement of all stakeholders is important but also securing the financing of the NAP on Disability so that the implementation of the same can be measured against the UNCRC standards. Financing of NAP on Disability shall be ensured The completion of a comprehensive NAP on Disability is desirable in view of the pending official country review of Austria by the competent UN committee. In 2013 the committee ascertained that Austria does not sufficiently guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities in many areas. An ambitious NAP on Disability could be a key road map for finally rectifying these failures. 2.4.2 Right to participation The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has addressed the right to participation in the implementation and monitoring of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The committee explained its deliberations in its General comment No. 7. In essence, the convention requires that persons with disabilities can participate in all political decision-making processes that affect their rights. This means that persons with disabilities must be already involved in the development and implementation stages of legislation, political concepts or general administrative decisions. They should be able to contribute their expertise and experience and be taken seriously. Organisations of persons with disabilities should act as their voice. Participation in political decisions 90