When government has twice failed to pass a law and public pressure is mounting… How can grassroots leadership and creative problem-solving shift the power to get a good law passed?

In the Austrian state of Tirol, the newly appointed Minister of Social Affairs had one conviction: to improve the lives of her constituents, she must work side by side with the people. Her first challenge? Persuading colleagues in government to commit time and money to develop a new disability rights law through legislative theatre. 

In 2016, Despite much scepticism, the project got underway. Community members with disabilities created and performed plays for peers, activists and politicians across the region. Audiences improvised strategies to make services more equitable and increase autonomy for disabled people. Finally, officials collaborated with the community to translate those ideas into policies. 

The day of the vote began with a performance in parliament; and then the law passed unanimously! The minister’s risk had paid off — participation by people with disabilities is now embedded in the ministry.