Executive Summary

The Federal Council is extending disability policy 2023–2026 until the end of 2028. The background is the delayed introduction of a planned Inclusion Act, which can enter into force at the earliest in 2029. The extension ensures the continuity of four priority programs (Work, Housing, Services, Participation) for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Federal Department of the Interior (FDI) continues to coordinate. The measure incurs no additional costs for the federal government.

Persons

Topics

  • Swiss disability policy
  • UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • Inclusion Initiative
  • Legislative reform

Clarus Lead

The extension bridges a critical gap between the expiration of the current disability policy (end of 2026) and the earliest possible entry into force of the planned Inclusion Act (2029). The Federal Council is responding to the political reality of the popular initiative "Inclusion Initiative" and its indirect counter-proposal, which were adopted in February 2026. Without this extension, a two-year implementation gap could have emerged, jeopardizing progress on equality. The cost-free solution ensures continuity without additional budgetary burden.

Detailed Summary

Disability policy 2023–2026 is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD) and was adopted by the Federal Council on December 8, 2023 as a framework for orientation. It organizes federal measures into four priority programs: Work, Housing, Services, and Participation. These were scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

In parallel, new political dynamics emerged: The popular initiative "For the Equality of Persons with Disabilities (Inclusion Initiative)" led to an indirect counter-proposal by the Federal Council, which was adopted on February 25, 2026. The centerpiece is a new Inclusion Act, which is intended to provide legal anchoring for disability policy. However, this law can enter into force at the earliest in 2029 – a time delay that results from parliamentary and consultative processes.

To close this implementation gap, the FDI is extending the ongoing priority programs until December 31, 2028. Operational coordination remains with the Federal Office for the Equality of Persons with Disabilities (FEPD). The measure is implemented within the existing budget framework – no additional federal expenditures are incurred.

Key Points

  • Disability policy is extended until the end of 2028 without cost increases
  • Bridge solution overcomes two-year gap until the Inclusion Act 2029
  • Four priority programs (Work, Housing, Services, Participation) remain active

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Source Validity: Is the assumption of earliest possible entry into force in 2029 based on realistic parliamentary timelines, or is there a risk of further delays?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent does the political dynamics of the Inclusion Initiative influence the design of the extension – could the bridge solution be perceived as a delaying tactic?

  3. Causality/Alternatives: Why was a longer extension (e.g., until 2030) not chosen to create additional buffer? Which alternatives were examined?

  4. Feasibility/Risks: How is it ensured that the four priority programs do not lose momentum during the extension phase? What adjustments are necessary?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Swiss Federal Council – Federal Disability Policy Extended Until 2028 – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/3U3fGLJET5_gbZpWvsYBk

Supplementary Sources:

  1. Disability Policy 2023–2026 – www.news.admin.ch/de/nsb?id=93636
  2. Partial Revision of the Disability Insurance Act – www.ebgb.admin.ch/de/teilrevision-behig
  3. Ongoing Legislative Revisions – www.ebgb.admin.ch/de/laufende-gesetzgebungsrevisionen

Verification Status: ✓ 01.04.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 01.04.2026