France

France 

At a glance

• The main laws governing disability inclusion in France are the Disability Law 2005, the Labour Law Code, and the 1987 Employment of Disabled Workers Act. 

• France has signed and ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

Key stats

• 12 million people are disabled in France, including nearly 6 million people of working age (Statista). 

• 52.7 per cent of disabled people in France are employed, compared with 75.4 per cent of non-disabled people – meaning the disability employment gap in France is 18.2 per cent (European Commission). 

The law

• Disability legislation: 
  • Disability Law (2005) – Outlaws various forms of discrimination against disabled workers. It also requires employers to make adjustments and arrangements to accommodate disabled employees. Disabled employees are entitled to retire at 55 if they have been working for 30 years with the status of a disabled worker. 
  • Employment of Disabled Workers Act (1987) – Establishes a quota for disabled people in the workforce at public and private organisations with more than 20 employees. These organisations must ensure that at least 6 per cent of their workforce is disabled. 

• Definition of disability: The Disability Law defines disability as “any limitations in participating in society because of a substantial, permanent condition affecting a person’s physical, sensory or mental functioning, which includes cognitive and psychiatric disorders and disabling chronic illnesses.”  

• Legal recognition – Workers in France seeking recognition as a disabled worker can apply to a “Maison départementale des personnes handicapées” (MDPH) – a Departmental House of Disabled Persons – for a “Reconnaissance de la Qualité de Travailleur Handicapé” (RQTH). This is guaranteed by the French Labor Code, and confers a number of rights, including: 
  • Access to training and rehabilitation 
  • Support to find work in the “sheltered sector” 
  • Funding and practical support from the French National Job Centre 
  • All other rights guaranteed to disabled people under French Law. 

Language

• The only official language of France is French. 

• In French, disabled people are often referred to as “personnes handicapées.” However, some sources suggest that some people might find this offensive. It may be safer to say “une personne en situation de handicap.” 

• Some French sources encourage French-speakers to avoid identity-first language (such as personnes handicapées). They recommend person-first language – such as “une personne avec une deficiente auditive” (a person with a hearing deficiency) instead of “une personne sourde” (a deaf person). 

Employment

• Adjustments / accommodations – The 2005 Disability Law requires employers to make adjustments for disabled employees. 

• Positive discrimination – Employers are allowed to give preference to disabled candidates during recruitment, to meet their 6 per cent quota. 

• Quotas – The Employment of Disabled Workers Act requires public and private employers with more than 20 employees to ensure at least 6 per cent of their workforce is disabled. Employers who fail to meet this quota must make a financial contribution. 

• Data – Employers must record the numbers of disabled people they employ, in order to meet the legal quota.  

• Incentives – The 2005 Disability Law provides two incentives for employers to hire and retain disabled employees : 

• Employers can claim a one-off grant for hiring and retaining a disabled worker from the “sheltered sector” for at least 12 consecutive months. 

• Employers can claim back up to 80 per cent of the costs relating to hiring a disabled worker, such as equipment and training. 

Customers

• The 2005 Disability Law guarantees disabled customers’ rights to access places open to the public.  

Built environment

• Establishments that are open to the public are required to meet specific accessibility requirements, set out in a decree of May 2006. 

Digital accessibility

• RGAA – Digital accessibility in France is governed by the Référentiel Général d’Accessibilité pour les Administrations (RGAA), established by the 2005 Disability Law. This requires public bodies, private companies and charities to meet a minimum standard of accessibility. This standard is currently WCAG 2.1 and EN 301 549 (see our guidance on these standards). Failure to meet the standard can lead to a fine. See the RGAA website for more information. 

• European Accessibility Act – As a member of the EU, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) also applies in France. This is due to come into effect in July 2025. The EAA mandates a minimum standard of accessibility across a wide range of digital products and services. It applies to public bodies and private businesses. See our guidance on the EAA [ADD LINK] for more information.  

Case studies

Would you like to showcase your organisation’s work on our Knowledge Hub? Contact enquiries@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk.

Country-specific disability organisations

• APF France Handicap – A campaigning organisation that seeks to promote the rights of disabled people in France and provide support in all areas of life. 
• Agefiph – An organisation that provides training, support and other solutions for employers to create more inclusive workplaces.