ABSTRACT
A large part of the costs of transforming disability into ability are reimbursed for employers, free-rider behaviour is punished, and the coverage of collective agreements that help is extended. Policy in the Netherlands is rights based and incentive-based rather than obligations-based. Employers who are effective in transforming disability into ability have a competitive advantage over other employers as they are entitled to various government subsidies, face lower costs and enjoy better work morale. In the near future the new Dutch government may also implement the proposals of the Donner Committee and the Social Economic Council. They amount to a debundling of disability policy and integration policy, which requires a clear distinction between the entitlement to disability benefit and rehabilitation with the aid of empowerment and participation packages. From 2003 onwards employers are responsible for reintegration, including vocational rehabilitation and training, not only within their own company, but also with other employers.
