Describe the main features of the measure/initiative:
Initiated by IG Autorinnen Autoren and the literary prize "Ohrenschmaus", an inclusive working scholarship for literature was established in 2016. This biennially awarded scholarship is eligible for talented people with learning difficulties. Half of the awarded money is freely available to the award winners; the other half is invested in the establishment of a collaborative process between renowned writers functioning as companions to the award winners, supporting the writing as well as publishing process over a long-term period.
Objectives:
• promoting access to people with learning difficulties in the field literature
• awareness raising for the contribution to literary landscape by people with learning difficulties
• promotion of a diverse literary landscape
Website of the measure/initiative, if available:
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the measure/initiative?:
The association Ohrenschmaus already counts a total of 150 submissions to the literary competition. Thereby many texts where written, raising visibility for the perspective and viewpoints of people with disabilities. The writing process creates possibilities for exchange; public readings, for instance at the annual book fair in Vienna (Buch Wien) by authors with disabilities furthered the diversity of the literary scene. Furthermore, media attention has raised public attention and provided a public platform, presenting persons with disabilities in alignment with the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.