The Harz-Weser-Workshops are a non-profit organisation, whose goal is the integration of adults with mental and physical disabilities into both working and everyday communities.

Through their workshops, homes and ambulant offers for disabled people, the Harz-Weser-Workshops achieve positive work and living conditions, that support and implement their rehabilitation back into the community. The assistance through the Harz-Weser Workshops enables the people, despite their disabilities, to lead independent lives.

Since it was founded in 1971 the Harz-Weser-Workshops have dedicated themselves to the interests of the disabled. They have received support from the local “Lebenshilfe” for the Osterode area, as they are a part of this organisation.

The area where they are active lies between the Harz mountains and the river Weser. The community is in the town of Osterode am Harz.

Work
For people in Germany, who due to their disability cannot obtain work in the free job market, there are workshops for handicapped people. It is the challenge of such workshops to integrate adults with disabilities into working life. They learn and develop social and professional skills, complete work contracts and will through well trained work colleages be guided and taught further qualifications.

The Harz-Weser-Workshops employ about 1250 people in the three workshops in Osterode, Dassel and Northeim and in the affiliated assocciations in the HaWeTec in Holzminden, Osterode and Northeim. There are a wide range of different fields of work within the work area: digital processing, metal-, wood- and textile work, electronic assembly, cabel assembly and packaging, logistics, garden and landscape maintenance, canteen and catering, laundry and the production of promotional literature.

The work is done under contract from companies and private customers. The quality of the work is guaranteed through the certificate DIN EN ISO 9001:2000. The revenues generated through the contracts are presented to the disabled workers as monthly bonuses.

Many people with disabilities find their optimal workplace in the workshops. Great efforts are made to find the workers a job outside of the workshops if that is what they would like. Therefore there are additional attractions, through the personal skills, to develop social behaviour and factual qualifications.

For all workers there is the possibility during work hours to attend sport and further training.

People with extreme disabilities who are unable to take up positions of work in the workshop are looked after in special day groups. Here occupational therapy arrangements are carried out  to develop their independence in everyday life.

People with psychological disabilities who after severe personal crises cannot work any further, receive encouragement in the day care centre. The point here is that they can organise their lives independently again and cope with everyday problems.

Accommodation
The Harz-Weser-Workshops offer people with disabilities a variety of possible accomodation.

People living in the eight homes provided are those employed in the workshops or day care centres. Also pensioners live here who can no longer work. They are given offers so they can arrange a good day.

In every home there are communities of 6-10 members who live together with similar people. They have a communal livingroom and kitchen and are supported everyday by qualified carers. Everyone undertakes as many responsibilities in the community as they can handle.

In the majority of homes every member has their own room that they can arrange around their own agenda. There are also possibilities for pairs to live together in small flats.

Furthermore there are the possibilities of ambulant day care apartments. The people live despite their handicap in a single flat or in a community and receive care from workers in the Harz-Weser-Workshop. The type of care depends on the requirements of the person and can vary considerably.

Personnel
The Harz-Weser-Workshops believe themselves to be partners of disabled people. So that every individual is provided with the exact care and training they need, qualified people from numerous disciplines are employed. They are also cared for by young people doing their civilian service, voluntary social year or work experience. In addition there are many volunteers and sponsors that support the work of the Harz-Weser-Workshops.