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Introduzione

Il 3 maggio 2024 è stato promulgato un decreto legislativo di grande importanza, che segna l’inizio di una profonda riforma del sistema della disabilità in Italia. Questo provvedimento introduce cambiamenti significativi per migliorare l’approccio e la gestione delle persone con disabilità, mettendo al centro i loro diritti e i loro bisogni specifici. Tra le novità più importanti c’è l’introduzione del Progetto di Vita Personalizzato e Partecipato, un percorso che mira a garantire una maggiore autonomia e inclusione sociale. Inoltre, sono state riviste le procedure di accertamento dell’invalidità civile, che ora saranno gestite dall’Inps in modo più efficace e trasparente.

Leggi e regolamenti su diritti e uguaglianza

Nel panorama legislativo italiano, il Decreto Legislativo n. 62 del 3 maggio 2024 rappresenta uno dei pilastri fondamentali per la tutela e la promozione dei diritti delle persone con disabilità. 62 del 3 maggio 2024 rappresenta uno dei pilastri fondamentali per la tutela e la promozione dei diritti delle persone con disabilità. Questo decreto è stato emanato in attuazione della Legge delega sulla disabilità, configurandosi come il cuore della cosiddetta Riforma della disabilità 2024.

Tale riforma ha come obiettivo principale l’introduzione di un sistema integrato e inclusivo che valorizzi la dignità e l’autonomia delle persone con disabilità, attraverso un approccio personalizzato e partecipativo. Tra le novità più significative introdotte dal decreto c’è il Progetto di vita personalizzato e partecipato, uno strumento che permette di costruire percorsi individuali finalizzati all’inclusione sociale, lavorativa e culturale, tenendo conto delle esigenze e delle potenzialità specifiche di ogni individuo.

Il decreto disciplina anche le procedure di riconoscimento dell’invalidità civile e dello stato di handicap, trasferendo tali competenze all’INPS. Ciò mira a garantire una maggiore uniformità, trasparenza ed efficienza nei processi di accertamento. Inoltre, prevede l’attivazione di servizi innovativi e la semplificazione delle procedure burocratiche per facilitare l’accesso ai diritti e ai benefici previsti per le persone con disabilità e le loro famiglie.

La Riforma della disabilità 2024 si colloca in un quadro di continuità con la legislazione precedente, come la Legge 104/1992, che rimane un riferimento imprescindibile in materia. Tuttavia, si distingue per l’adozione di un approccio moderno orientato al rispetto della Convenzione ONU sui diritti delle persone con disabilità, che ispira gran parte della nuova normativa.

Link a siti web rilevanti

Decreto Legislativo n. 62 del 3 maggio 2024

The document listed in the “Gazzetta Ufficiale” link is Legislative Decree No. 62 of May 3, 2024, part of Italy’s disability reform.

Focus sul Decreto Legislativo n. 62/2024

Disponibile sul sito web del Programma di Governo.

Riforma della disabilità introdotta dal Decreto Legislativo 62/2024

Il link rimanda a un documento in formato PDF che illustra la riforma della disabilità introdotta dal Decreto Legislativo 62/2024.

Leggi e regolamenti sull'assistenza e il supporto

Il Decreto Legislativo 62/2024 rappresenta un passo fondamentale nel quadro normativo italiano in materia di assistenza e sostegno alle persone con disabilità. Questo provvedimento deriva da una specifica delega conferita al Governo con la Legge delega 227/2021, che ha tracciato le linee guida per una profonda riforma del sistema di assistenza e inclusione. Tale riforma è parte integrante del Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR), concordato dall’Italia con l’Unione Europea per favorire una società più equa e inclusiva.

Il titolo del regolamento ne anticipa la portata innovativa: “Definizione della condizione di disabilità, della valutazione di base, dell’accomodamento ragionevole, della valutazione multidimensionale per l’elaborazione e l’attuazione del progetto di vita individuale personalizzato e partecipato”. In concreto, il decreto introduce strumenti chiave per migliorare il sostegno alle persone con disabilità, a partire dalla valutazione multidimensionale dei loro bisogni. Questa valutazione considera non solo le condizioni di salute, ma anche i fattori sociali, culturali e ambientali che incidono sulla qualità della vita dell’individuo.

Uno degli elementi centrali è il Progetto di vita personalizzato e partecipato, che è un piano di intervento individuale elaborato in collaborazione con la persona interessata e, quando necessario, con la sua famiglia.

Questo progetto mira a garantire il pieno accesso ai diritti, promuovendo l’autonomia e l’inclusione sociale.

In linea con i principi della Convenzione ONU sui diritti delle persone con disabilità, il decreto mira anche a semplificare le procedure burocratiche introducendo misure come l’accomodamento ragionevole, che prevede modifiche organizzative o ambientali per facilitare la partecipazione delle persone con disabilità in tutti gli ambiti della società.

Questa normativa integra leggi storiche, come la Legge 104/1992, rafforzando un sistema già esistente con strumenti più moderni e integrati.

Link a siti web rilevanti

Approfondimento sul Progetto di Vita Personalizzato e Partecipato, introdotto dal Decreto Legislativo 62/2024

Altre leggi e condizioni di base

Un’importante misura di sostegno per le persone con disabilità in Italia è la Carta Europea della Disabilità (Disability Card). Questo strumento, reso operativo dall’INPS, permette di accedere a servizi e strutture in vari ambiti, sia a livello nazionale che all’interno dell’Unione Europea. La Disability Card è stata introdotta in linea con il Regolamento UE 1381/2013, volto a promuovere i diritti, l’uguaglianza e la cittadinanza per il periodo 2014-2020. L’obiettivo principale è garantire la reciprocità tra gli Stati membri, consentendo alle persone con disabilità di beneficiare di servizi e strutture anche al di fuori del proprio Paese. La procedura per richiedere la Disability Card è semplice: la domanda può essere presentata attraverso il portale dell’INPS utilizzando strumenti di autenticazione digitale come SPID, CIE, CNS o PIN. Oltre a certificare la condizione di disabilità, la carta può indicare la necessità di un accompagnatore o di un livello di supporto superiore, facilitando così una gestione più mirata dei bisogni. Oltre alla Carta della disabilità, il panorama legislativo italiano prevede numerosi interventi per promuovere l’inclusione in settori chiave:
  • Istruzione: La legge 104/1992 regolamenta il sostegno scolastico, garantendo il diritto all’istruzione per gli studenti con disabilità attraverso insegnanti di sostegno e strumenti didattici adattati.
  • Lavoro: La legge 68/1999 promuove l’occupazione attraverso quote di riserva per le persone con disabilità e incentivi per le aziende.
  • Trasporti: Sono previsti sconti sui trasporti pubblici e contributi per l’adattamento dei veicoli privati, mentre le infrastrutture devono rispettare gli standard di accessibilità (DPR 503/1996).
  • Partecipazione sociale: Numerose iniziative regionali e comunali sostengono attività culturali, sportive e ricreative, spesso con accesso gratuito o facilitato per le persone disabili e i loro accompagnatori.

Link a siti web rilevanti

The Disability Card document

The Disability Card document on the INPS website provides practical information on how to apply for the card, the requirements, the benefits it offers, and how to use it to access various services and supports, such as transportation, culture, and other areas of social inclusion.

Leggi e regolamenti per i caregiver informali

In Italia, il ruolo dei caregiver informali è riconosciuto e sostenuto da diverse normative, con l’obiettivo di alleviare il carico di cura e garantire le tutele fondamentali. Una misura centrale è il congedo straordinario retribuito di due anni per i dipendenti privati (compresi quelli a tempo parziale). Questo congedo consente ai dipendenti di assentarsi dal lavoro per un massimo di due anni complessivi nel corso della vita lavorativa, continuando a percepire un’indennità commisurata all’ultimo stipendio e garantendo la conservazione del posto di lavoro.

Il congedo può essere richiesto per assistere una persona con handicap grave ai sensi dell’art. 3, comma 3, della Legge 104/1992, certificato dalla commissione medica integrata ASL/INPS. Non è però necessario che la persona assistita sia ricoverata a tempo pieno in strutture che garantiscano assistenza sanitaria continuativa.

Oltre al congedo straordinario, i caregiver possono accedere ad altri benefici:

  • Work permits: According to Law 104/1992, employees are entitled to three days of paid monthly leave that can be used to care for a family member with a severe disability.
  • Imputed social security contributions: Periods of care can be considered valid for pension purposes thanks to the recognition of notional contributions.
  • Financial subsidies: Some regions and municipalities offer direct subsidies to caregivers to cover the costs of home care.
  • Work flexibility: caregivers can request changes in working hours (e.g. part-time) to reconcile work and care responsibilities.
    Finally, the Fund for Family Caregivers, established by the government, is intended to finance economic and training support initiatives. These measures reflect a growing recognition of the value of the unpaid work performed by carers, which is fundamental to the well-being of people with disabilities and their families.

Link a siti web rilevanti

L’indennità per il congedo straordinario per assistere familiari disabili

Introduction

Rights and support measures for individuals with disabilities and care needs in the Netherlands are guaranteed and arranged through several different laws and regulations. This legal framework can be difficult to understand and deal with. Nevertheless, it is important to know which government body to contact when needs or questions arise.

Below you will find an overview of the Dutch laws and regulations that arrange rights, care, and support for individuals with disabilities and informal caregivers.

Laws and regulations on rights and equality

Individuals with a disability or chronic illness have the right to be equally included in society. These rights are described in:
  • The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
  • Chapter 1 of the Dutch Constitution
  • The ‘Wet Gelijke Behandeling op Grond van Handicap of Chronische Ziekte’ (Equal Treatment Act of the Disabled and Chronically Ill – Wgbh/cz)
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) The CRPD is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century and has been in affect in the Netherlands since 2016. It’s purpose is to “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity”. The Dutch Constitution Chapter 1 of the Dutch Constitution dictates that “All persons in the Netherlands shall be treated equally in equal circumstances. Discrimination on the grounds of religion, belief, political opinion, race or sex or on any other grounds whatsoever shall not be permitted.”. The Equal Treatment Act of the Disabled and Chronically Ill (Wgbh/cz) The Wgbh/cz was established in 2003. According to the Wgbh/cz it is forbidden to discriminate between individuals with and without impairment in housing, education, employment, and public transport. Since 2016, this also includes goods, services and assistance dogs, and in 2017 a standard for general accessibility was added. This latter standard states that schools, work environments, and businesses should be accessible to all people, unless the improvement of accessibility is considered disproportionately burdensome due to e.g. financial or time constraints. Enforcement The ‘College voor de Rechten van de Mens’ (The Commission for Human Rights) is in charge of monitoring human rights in the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands. This includes guarding the right to equal treatment, offering protection, increasing awareness, and ensuring compliance with the laws. They conduct research, advise the government and parliament, report to international human rights institutes, provide information, promotes human rights education, and handle discrimination complaints.

Links to relevant websites

Laws and regulations on care and support

There are four major laws arranging healthcare in the Netherlands:
  • De Zorgverzekeringswet (The Health Insurance Act – Zvw)
  • De Wet Maatschappelijke Ondersteuning (The Social Support Act – Wmo)
  • De Wet Langdurige Zorg (The Long-term Care Act – Wlz)
  • De Jeugdwet (The Youth Act)
The Health Insurance Act (Zvw) Everyone that lives or works in the Netherlands has an equal right to basic healthcare, as is stated in the Dutch Health Insurance Act (Zvw) dating from 2006. The Zvw describes which healthcare treatments, services and products must be made available to people by the various private health insurance companies and health providers. This so-called ‘basic care’ is financed by tax- and insurance premium payments. Citizens are required to take out health insurance but are free to choose their own healthcare insurer and any additional coverage. The basic healthcare plan covers district nursing care, consisting of personal care at home, at work, or in daytime care that is needed due to an illness or impairment. The Social Support Act (Wmo) The Wmo arranges domestic or social support. The law dictates that people should be supported to live their lives at home for as long as possible. This support is financed and arranged by the municipality and includes means and subsidies, for e.g. changes in the house, special transport, and daytime care. In some cases, an own-risk contribution is required. Individuals can also request a personal budget (Persoonsgebonden budget – pgb), which varies depending on the needs of the care receiver. With a pgb people can arrange their own care and support from providers of their choice. This allows disabled individuals and their caregivers for more control over their lives, but also adds more administration, arrangements, and planning. The Long-term Care Act (Wlz) Individuals that need intensive and constant care or supervision receive support via the Wlz. Wlz-care is financed and arranged through regional zorgkantoren (healthcare offices). This includes care in care institutions, but if possible can also be arranged at home. Also via the Wlz people can choose to have care arranged for them (in natura) or arrange it themselves through a personal budget. The Youth Act Care and support for minors (<18 years) is arranged through the Youth Act and includes help for families and children with behavioural problems, psychological care needs and intellectual disabilities, as well closed youth care, youth protection, and forensic care. The municipality is responsible for the implementation of the Youth Act. When a child turns 18 their care arrangements are transferred to the Wmo or Wlz. In some cases support from the Youth Act can be extended for a maximum of five years, if care cannot be arranged through different laws or if a treatment is ongoing.

Links to relevant websites

Other laws and basic conditions

Education Schools have a care duty and are obligated to arrange ‘passend onderwijs’ (appropriate education), either by offering personalised support or by contacting another school. Children that need intensive educational support can join a special education school, designed to better fit their needs. Appropriate education is arranged through a number of different laws and applies to primary and secondary education. For young adults who want to follow a professional education only mainstream education is available. The Wgbh/cz dictates that schools are required to accommodate individuals with an impairment if reasonably possible. Employment The Participation Act, which came into force in January 2015, aims to arrange employment for anyone who is capable of working, but needs extra support. The act states that municipalities are responsible to help individuals with an occupational disability to find work. In ‘regionale werkbedrijven’ (regional work companies) municipalities collaborate with Employees Insurance Agency (UWV), employers, unions, and schools from their labour market region. Together they make arrangements to help people that need extra support in their work or in finding a job. The Dutch government has set up the ‘banenafspraak´ (job deal), as part of the Participation Act. The goal of this deal is to have created 125.000 extra jobs (100.000 in corporate organisations and 25.000 government positions) at the beginning of 2026. Organisations receive a bonus per employee hired via the job deal, which varies depending on the amount of hours the employee works, and a quota can be applied to companies with more than 25 employees. Participation in decision-making The Employee Participation of Clients in Healthcare Institutions Act (Wet medezeggenschap cliënten zorginstellingen – Wmcz) is a law from 2018 that arranges the right to participate in decision-making for people receiving care in care institutions. All healthcare institutions with more than 10 employees must have a client council. For primary care without 24-hour care, the border is 25 employees. The Wmcz arranges the rights of these client councils in care institutions, including the right for information, consult, advice, consent, investigation of mismanagement, and nomination of board members. Care and Coercion The ‘Wet Zorg en Dwang’ (Care and Coercion Act – Wzd) arranges involuntary care rights for people with an intellectual disability or psychogeriatric disorder (such as dementia). The main principle of the Care and Coercion Act is that involuntary care is not used, unless there is no other option. The Care and Coercion Act arranges:
  • In which situations involuntary care and/or admission may be necessary
  • How a decision for involuntary care is made
  • When involuntary care must be evaluated
  • The right to a client confidential adviser

Links to relevant websites

Laws and regulations for informal caregivers

Rights and duties As a member of a household you have basic care responsibilities. As a roommate / family member, you share responsibility for household tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and doing groceries. As a parent, you are in charge of the care and upbringing of your child. And as a partner, you are expected to provide nursing care in times of need for a period of 3 months. This includes i.e. help with bathing, dressing, and going to the toilet. This basic care is not obligated by law, but it is expected. When deciding on the right care, your municipality will look at what you can do to assist. This will impact the amount of professional help that you are offered. Providing informal care to your loved-ones may seem like a natural extension of these responsibilities, but it is not an obligation. Informal care goes much further than regular household tasks and can be very demanding. If for whatever reason you are unable or unwilling to fulfil your loved-ones care needs, it’s the responsibility of the municipality to find alternative solutions. This also applies to basic care tasks. You are in your right to insist that alternatives are sought. Care leave Everyone has the right to take care leave from work. This right is dictated in the ‘Wet Arbeid en Zorg’ (Work and Care Act). There are three different types of care leave:
  • Emergency care leave
  • Short-term care leave
  • Long-term care leave
Emergency care leave If for instance your child suddenly falls ill or one of your family members needs to be taken to the hospital unexpectedly, you can take emergency care leave. This leave allows you to handle urgent matters, lasting from a few hours to several days. You can request emergency care leave with your employer, who is obligated to accept a reasonable request. Your salary will continue to be paid during this leave unless otherwise specified in your collective labour agreement (CAO). Short-term care leave If you suddenly need to care for a loved-one you can apply for short-term care leave. This is also an option if existing care needs become increasingly demanding and you feel overwhelmed. You can take this leave in consultation with your employer. The amount of leave allowed each year is twice your weekly working hours. For instance, if you work 24 hours a week, you are entitled to 48 hours of leave per year. During short-term care leave you can receive 70% of your salary or at least minimum wage. Long-term care leave If you need to take care of a loved-one for an extended period of time, you may take long-term care leave. Each year you are entitled to six times your weekly working hours. Unless otherwise specified in your CAO, your employer is not required to pay your wage during long-term care leave. Unemployment Benefit If you receive unemployment benefit you have a duty to apply for jobs. However, as an informal caregiver you don’t need to do this for the first 6 months that you receive benefit. You can use this period to find a different solution for the care that you provide. In special cases, the Employees Insurance Agency (UWV) can extend this period by one month at a time. After that, you must start applying for jobs again. If you were paid from the personal budget (PGB) of the person you cared for, the time you spent providing this care might count toward your work history. This is called mantelzorgforfait (informal care work credit). It could mean you qualify for unemployment benefit for a longer period.

Links to relevant websites

Introduction

To help you to understand and claim your legal rights as a carer or person in need of care it is good to know where you can find them.
In Germany the Sozialgesetzbuch/ SGB (Social code) regulates the main areas of what is categorised as social law.

Care services for young people in need of care are regulated within the SGB by two different institutions: on the one hand as part of the Pflegeversicherung (long-term care insurance) (SGB XI) and on the other hand as Eingliederungshilfe (integration services) for people with disabilities (SGB IX). Besides, financial support as the disability pension is based on a third institution, the statutory pension insurance in SGB VI.

Further legal requirements for the equal participation of people with disabilities are based on the Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz/ BGG (Disability Equality Act), the Allgemeine Gleichbehandlungsgesetz/ AGG (General Equal Treatment Act) as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Laws and regulations on equality and participation of people with disabilities

According to the Grundgesetz (Basic Law) of the Federal Republic of Germany (Article 3), nobody may be discriminated because of their disability. Therefore, as a lead ministry the Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales/ BMAS (Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) has to create equal opportunities for people with disabilities and enable them to participate in the workplace and society on an equal footing.

According to SGB IX people with disabilities receive special benefits in addition to general social benefits to prevent disadvantages in working life and participation in society from arising in the first place or to overcome them as quickly as possible. Besides, the Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz/ BGG (Disability Equality Act), the Allgemeine Gleichbehandlungsgesetz/ AGG (General Equal Treatment Act) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) are the framework for the German policy at national and international level.

Based on the CRPD the Bundesteilhabegesetz/ BTHG (German Federal Participation Act) led to some fundamental changes when it came into force in 2017. For example, the integration services which had previously been regulated in the sixth chapter of SGB XII as a social welfare benefit were integrated into SGB IX.

Links to relevant websites

Laws and regulations for caregivers and people in need of care

Care services for all people who are dependent on care due to health impairments, no matter if there is a disability or not, are regulated within the social care insurance in SGB XI. The aim is to regain or maintain the physical, mental and spiritual abilities of people in need of care. To this end affected persons can receive certain care services such as ambulant care services, care allowances, short and long-term care, respite care services as well as measures to improve their living environment. The main ministry responsible for that is the Bundesgesundheitsminsterium (German Federal Ministry of Health).

You can find the whole SGB XI online (see below). As a carer or person in need of care two chapters might be the most relevant for you:

  • All regulations about the assessment and the group of persons entitled to benefits can be found in chapter two.
  • In chapter four you can find regulations on all benefits you can receive.

Links to relevant websites

Further laws and basic conditions

If you search for the legal regulations on a disability pension you will find them in the social code about the statutory pension insurance, SGB VI. There you can also find the regulations for rehabs because the pension insurance is also responsible to provide prevention services, medical rehabilitation services and services for participation in working life.

Links to relevant websites

Introduction

Rights and support measures for informal caregivers and individuals with disabilities or care needs in Portugal are established through a range of laws and regulations. However, navigating this legal framework can often be complex and challenging. It is crucial to understand which government body to contact when questions or needs arise. Below is an overview of the Portuguese laws and regulations that govern rights, care, and support for individuals with disabilities and informal caregivers.

Laws and regulations on rights and equality

Individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses in Portugal have the right to full inclusion in society, as outlined in key legal frameworks:

  • Constituição da República Portuguesa (Portuguese Constitution): Article 26.º recognizes the rights to personal identity, personality development, civil capacity, citizenship, good name, reputation, privacy, and protection against discrimination for all citizens. Additionally, Article 13.º enshrines the Principle of Equality, ensuring all citizens are equal before the law and protected against discrimination, including on the grounds of disability.
  • Convenção sobre os Direitos das Pessoas com Deficiência [The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): Ratified by Portugal in 2009, this international treaty complements the Portuguese Constitution by establishing a robust framework for protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. It emphasizes non-discrimination and promotes their full participation in society through targeted laws, policies, and programs.

Links to relevant websites

Laws and regulations on care and support

The health and social care systems in Portugal are managed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity, supported by public services, institutions, and joint initiatives. Key networks include:

  • Rede Nacional de Cuidados Continuados Integrados – RNCCI (National Network for Integrated Continued Care): Offers health and social care through public and private institutions, with services available via hospital referrals or community-based access. It also supports informal caregivers by providing inpatient or home support for the cared-for person.
  • National Palliative Care Network (RNCP): Provides palliative care through hospitals, communities, and home care, ensuring integrated and coordinated interventions.
  • Private non-profit social welfare institutions (IPSSs), co-funded by the government, play a crucial role in disability care, though coverage varies regionally.Additional support includes specialized facilities for adults with disabilities, dependency, or mental health conditions, as well as the Inclusion Desk, which offers accessible guidance on topics like accessibility, tax benefits, social protection, and health care.

Links to relevant websites

Other laws and basic conditions

Law n.º 38/2004, de 18 de agosto establishes a comprehensive framework for promoting equality, accessibility, and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Its key objectives include ensuring equal opportunities, lifelong access to education, training, and employment, the removal of barriers, and providing access to support services to foster full societal participation. Key Provisions:
  • Employment quotas: Companies must employ persons with disabilities, up to 2% of their workforce, depending on size. Public Administration must meet or exceed a 5% quota.
  • Rehabilitation and support: The law ensures access to employment, training, healthcare, housing, education, culture, sports, and transport tailored to individuals’ needs.
  • Social rights: The State guarantees social security, healthcare, consumer rights, and housing accessibility, emphasising universal design and removing architectural barriers.
  • Inclusive education and culture: Measures ensure access to inclusive education and participation in cultural and scientific activities.
  • Sports and leisure: Individuals with disabilities are supported in recreational sports and high-performance competitions through specialised structures and social support.

Links to relevant websites

Laws and regulations for informal caregivers

The Statute of the Informal Caregiver (ECI), formally implemented nationwide in 2022, establishes fundamental rights and support measures for informal caregivers, recognizing their critical role in ensuring the well-being of those under their care. Key provisions include:

Key Provisions:

  • Recognition and support:
    – Acknowledgment of caregivers’ essential contribution to health and social care.
    – Training and guidance to develop the necessary skills for providing adequate care.

  • Access to information and resources:
    – Information from healthcare and social care professionals about the care process and available support.
    – Updates on illness progression and best practices for caregiving.

  • Psychological and emotional support:
    – Access to psychological assistance, even after the person under care has passed away.
    – Scheduled rest periods to promote caregivers’ well-being and emotional balance.

  • Work-life balance:
    – Measures to help non-primary caregivers balance caregiving with professional responsibilities.
    – Access to the student worker scheme for caregivers pursuing education.

  • Participation in policy-making:
    – Inclusion in shaping public policies that impact informal caregivers.

Links to relevant websites

Introduction

Legal framework and other basic conditions in Lithuania will be presented in this unit. Knowing the legal framework for young people with disabilities is crucial to ensure their rights are respected, promote inclusion, and advocate for equal opportunities and access to services.

Laws and regulations on rights and equality

In Lithuania, the key laws and regulations ensuring the rights of people with disabilities include:

  1. The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania – Guarantees equality before the law and non-discrimination for all citizens, including those with disabilities.
  2. The Law on Equal Opportunities – Prohibits discrimination based on disability in areas such as employment, education, and access to goods and services.
  3. The Law on the Protection on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Provides the framework for integrating people with disabilities into society, ensuring access to education, employment, and necessary social services.
  4. The Labour Code – Includes provisions for accommodating people with disabilities in the workplace, including flexible work arrangements and protections against discrimination.
  5. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – Ratified by Lithuania, it obligates the country to uphold international standards for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.

These laws collectively aim to promote equality, inclusion, and dignity for individuals with disabilities in Lithuania.

Links to relevant websites

Laws and regulations on care and support

Law on Social Services
This law defines the concept, objectives and types of social services, regulates the management, allocation and provision of social services, the licensing of social care institutions, financing, payment for social services, and the handling of disputes related to social services.

Catalogue of Social Services
The Catalogue of Social Services (hereafter “the Catalogue”) regulates social services, their content (definition, beneficiaries, place, duration and frequency of service provision, composition of the service, categories of professionals providing the service, peculiarities of service provision), social service providers and types of social service institutions.

Description on the Social services for people with disabilities and their families
The Ministry of Social Security and Labour informs what kind of social services is available for people with disabilities and their families and where to go if they need them.

Links to relevant websites

Other laws and basic conditions

Law on the Approval of the Requirements for the Provision of Outpatient Home Nursing Services and the description of the Procedure for Payment for These Services The Description of Requirements for the Provision of Outpatient Home Nursing Services and the Procedure for the Payment of Such Services sets out the requirements for professionals, medical devices and other working equipment, recipients of outpatient home nursing services, requirements for the provision of such services, and the procedure for payment of such services. Description of People with Disabilities in an Open Labour Market The Ministry of Social Security and Labour informs what kind of inclusion support and help needs and receives people with disabilities preparing and starting to work in an open labour market. Description on Personal assistance for people with disabilities The Ministry of Social Security and Labour informs that personal assistance is to provide individual support, based on the person with disabilities individual support needs, to help them with the tasks and activities that they are unable to carry out independently because of their disability and that are necessary for them to be able to live independently and to be able to function in all areas of life.

Links to relevant websites

Laws and regulations for informal caregivers

Information about Temporary respite service
The Ministry of Social Security and Labour informs about temporary respite services for the informal caregivers who takes care of people with disabilities. It is declared that service can be provided in the institution or home, but as respite services are not developed enough usually, a person with disabilities is taken into the institution.

Information about services and support if a family member takes care of a person with disabilities (I or a family member has a disability: what belong to me)?
The Ministry of Social Security and Labour informs about financial support and services available to family members who care for family members with disability.

Links to relevant websites

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