[The SGB IX, book 9 of the German social code--reformatory approach, innovations, initial implementations]

Effective as of July 1, 2001, the new Book 9 of the German Social Code is designed to bring about fundamental improvements in the situation of people with disabilities or at risk of being disabled, to be realized by replacing welfare and provision by the notion of participation: By making available the social services and supports needed, people with disabilities are to be enabled to participate in the life of the community and, notably, in working life. Focussing on people with disabilities, the author outlines some of the reformatory approaches and innovations in Book 9 and describes the steps taken by the various rehabilitation carriers over the last few months in order to implement the legislator's intentions, hence to improve the situation of people with disabilities.