France's 7th National Disability Conference Announces 65 Measures Including 20,000 Supported Employment Places by 2028

Samenvatting

On 4 September 2026, President Macron chaired the 7th Conférence Nationale du Handicap (CNH) in Bobigny, unveiling 16 commitments and 65 measures for 2026–2029. Key employment measures include scaling the 'emploi accompagné' (supported employment) scheme to 20,000 beneficiaries by 2028, maintaining the €6,000 apprenticeship hiring bonus for recognised disabled workers, and exempting sheltered-workshop (ESAT) employees from training-account charges. The AAH disability allowance has risen 29% since 2017 to over €1,040/month. The government also launched a new 2026–2030 national accessibility strategy covering all ministries. Disability associations, including APF France Handicap and the Collectif Handicaps, cautiously welcomed the announcements but warned that measures without ring-fenced funding remain fragile. A follow-up monitoring committee meets 29 September 2026 to present detailed action plans. For inclusive employers in France, the CNH signals stronger public-sector coordination and new financial supports worth tracking.