Understanding Hungary's Act XXVI of 1998 on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
What is Act XXVI of 1998?
Act XXVI of 1998, also known as The Act on the Rights and Equal Opportunities of Persons with Disabilities, is a Hungarian law designed to protect the rights of people with disabilities and ensure they have the same opportunities as everyone else. The law promotes inclusion in areas like education, employment, healthcare, and access to public services.
Key Provisions of the Law
Here are the main points of the law explained in simple terms:
1. Equal Rights & Non-Discrimination
- The law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of life, including jobs, education, and public services.
- Employers must provide reasonable accommodations (like adjusted workspaces or tools) to help employees with disabilities perform their jobs.
2. Accessibility Requirements
- Public services, buildings, and information (including digital content) must be accessible to people with disabilities.
- While the law doesn’t explicitly mention private websites, Hungary follows the EU Web Accessibility Directive, which requires public sector websites to meet accessibility standards (like WCAG 2.1).
3. Employment & Rehabilitation Support
- Companies with 20+ employees must ensure that at least 5% of their workforce consists of people with disabilities (or pay a compensation fee).
- The government provides financial support to employers who hire people with disabilities, covering costs like workplace adaptations.
4. Right to Independent Living
- People with disabilities have the right to rehabilitation services, early development programs, and assistance for daily living.
- The law also supports access to education, healthcare, and cultural activities.
5. National Disability Council
- The law established a National Disability Council to advise the government and represent the interests of people with disabilities.
Important Dates
- Enacted: April 1, 1998.
- Effective: January 1, 1999.
- Updates: Hungary ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2007, reinforcing this law.
Conclusion
Act XXVI of 1998 is a foundational law in Hungary that ensures fairness and accessibility for people with disabilities. It covers employment, education, public services, and other rights, and ongoing efforts are being made to improve inclusion.
This explanation is based on the official document: Act XXVI of 1998 (Hungarian).