[web2py] My search Engine with ÄÖÅ doesn't work, what is my best approach?

[encompass]

I have something like this as a search engine parameter:
http://interestid.com/search.json/theSearch
And that returns the result for the search for "theSearch"
Sadly however, I forgot about foreign characters like ÖÄÅ. What is my best 
solution for doing a search system like this?
Best Regards,
Jason Brower