Dimensions of health care and social services accessibility for disabled asylum seekers in Germany

Abstract

This chapter examines the dimensions of health care and social services accessibility for disabled asylum seekers in Germany. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the EU Reception Conditions Directive (Directive 2013/33/EU) and the German Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (AsylbLG) are framing the lived experiences differently. Where UNCRPD and the Reception Conditions Directive open ways for specific support and the examination of barriers, the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act limits accessibility. Inaccessible housing, restricted health care access and lack of information characterise the conditions disabled asylum seekers have to cope with. To overcome those challenges, social work, politics and academia need to create spaces that do not foster the marginalisation of disabled asylum seekers.