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Introduction

On 3 May 2024, a legislative decree of great significance was promulgated, marking the beginning of a profound reform of the disability system in Italy. This measure introduces significant changes to improve the approach and management of people with disabilities, putting their rights and specific needs at the centre. Among the most important changes is the introduction of the Personalised and Participated Life Project, a pathway that aims to guarantee greater autonomy and social inclusion. In addition, the procedures for ascertaining civil invalidity have been revised, which will now be managed by the Inps in a more effective and transparent manner.

Laws and regulations on rights and equality

In the Italian legislative landscape, Legislative Decree no. 62 of 3 May 2024 represents one of the fundamental pillars for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. This decree was issued in implementation of the Delegated Law on Disability, taking shape as the heart of the so-called Disability Reform 2024.
This reform has as its main objective the introduction of an integrated and inclusive system that enhances the dignity and autonomy of persons with disabilities, through a personalised and participatory approach. Among the most significant innovations introduced by the decree is the Personalised and Participatory Life Project, a tool that allows for the construction of individual pathways aimed at social, work and cultural inclusion, taking into account the specific needs and potential of each individual.

The decree also regulates the procedures for recognising civil invalidity and disability status, transferring these competences to INPS. This aims to ensure greater uniformity, transparency and efficiency in the assessment processes. Moreover, it envisages the activation of innovative services and the simplification of bureaucratic procedures to facilitate access to the rights and benefits provided for persons with disabilities and their families.

The Disability Reform 2024 is set within a framework of continuity with previous legislation, such as Law 104/1992, which remains an indispensable reference on the subject. However, it is distinguished by the adoption of a modern approach geared towards compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which inspires much of the new legislation.

Links to relevant websites

The document listed in the “Gazzetta Ufficiale” link is Legislative Decree No. 62 of May 3, 2024, part of Italy’s disability reform:
https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2024/05/14/24G00079/SG

Laws and regulations on care and support

Legislative Decree 62/2024 represents a fundamental step in the Italian legal framework for the assistance and support of persons with disabilities. This measure derives from a specific mandate given to the Government through Delegated Law 227/2021, which outlined the guidelines for a profound reform of the assistance and inclusion system. This reform is an integral part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), agreed by Italy with the European Union to foster a more equal and inclusive society.

The title of the regulation anticipates its innovative scope: ‘Definition of the disability condition, of the basic assessment, of reasonable accommodation, of the multidimensional assessment for the elaboration and implementation of the customised and participatory individual life project’. In concrete terms, the decree introduces key tools to improve support for people with disabilities, starting from the multidimensional assessment of their needs. This assessment considers not only health conditions, but also the social, cultural and environmental factors that affect the individual’s quality of life.

One of the central elements is the Personalised and Participated Life Project, which is an individual intervention plan drawn up in cooperation with the person concerned and, when necessary, his or her family.

This project aims to guarantee full access to rights, promoting autonomy and social inclusion.
In line with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the decree also aims to simplify bureaucratic procedures by introducing measures such as reasonable accommodation, which provides for organisational or environmental changes to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.

This legislation complements historical laws, such as Law 104/1992, strengthening an already existing system with more modern and integrated tools.

Links to relevant websites

Insight into the Personalized and Participatory Life Project, introduced by Legislative Decree 62/2024:  https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=progetto+di+vita+personalizzato+e+partecipato

Other laws and basic conditions

An important support measure for people with disabilities in Italy is the European Disability Card (Disability Card). This tool, made operational by INPS, allows access to services and facilities in various areas, both nationally and within the European Union. The Disability Card was introduced in line with EU Regulation 1381/2013, aimed at promoting rights, equality and citizenship for the period 2014-2020. The main objective is to ensure reciprocity among member states, allowing people with disabilities to benefit from services and facilities even outside their own country.

The procedure to apply for the Disability Card is simple: the application can be submitted through the INPS portal using digital authentication tools such as SPID, CIE, CNS or PIN. In addition to certifying the disability condition, the card can indicate the need for an accompanying person or a higher level of support, thus facilitating a more targeted management of needs.

In addition to the Disability Card, the Italian legislative landscape provides numerous interventions to promote inclusion in key areas:

  • Education: Law 104/1992 regulates school support, guaranteeing the right to education for students with disabilities through support teachers and adapted teaching tools.
  • Employment: Law 68/1999 promotes employment through reserve quotas for people with disabilities and incentives for companies.
  • Transport: Discounts are offered on public transport and contributions to adapt private vehicles, while infrastructures must comply with accessibility standards (Presidential Decree 503/1996).
  • Social participation: Numerous regional and municipal initiatives support cultural, sporting and recreational activities, often with free or facilitated access for disabled people and their carers.

Links to relevant websites

Laws and regulations for informal caregivers

In Italy, the role of informal carers is recognised and supported through various regulations, with the aim of alleviating the caring burden and guaranteeing fundamental protections. A central measure is the extraordinary paid leave of two years for private employees (including part-time employees). This leave allows employees to be absent from work for a maximum of two years in total during their working life, while continuing to receive an allowance commensurate with their last salary and guaranteeing job retention.

Leave may be requested to assist a person with a serious disability pursuant to Article 3, paragraph 3, of Law 104/1992, certified by the ASL/INPS integrated medical commission. However, the assisted person does not have to be hospitalised full-time in facilities guaranteeing continuous health care.
In addition to extraordinary leave, caregivers can access other benefits:

    • 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.

Links to relevant websites

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

Introdução

Os direitos e medidas de apoio para cuidadores/as informais e pessoas com deficiência ou necessidade de cuidados em Portugal, são estabelecidos através de uma série de leis e regulamentação. No entanto, navegar neste quadro legal pode, muitas vezes, ser complexo e desafiante. É fundamental compreender qual a entidade governamental a contactar quando surgem dúvidas ou a necessidade.

Abaixo encontrará um resumo da legislação e regulamentação portuguesa, que rege os direitos, os cuidados e o apoio às pessoas com deficiência e aos/às cuidadores/as informais.

Legislação e regulamentação sobre direitos e igualdade

As pessoas com deficiência ou doenças crónicas em Portugal têm direito à plena inclusão na sociedade, conforme descrito nos principais instrumentos legais:

  • Constituição da República Portuguesa :
    O artigo 26.º reconhece a todas as pessoas o direito à identidade pessoal, ao desenvolvimento da personalidade, à capacidade civil, à cidadania, ao bom nome e reputação, à reserva da intimidade da vida privada e familiar e à proteção legal contra qualquer forma de discriminação. Adicionalmente, o artigo 13.º consagra o princípio da igualdade, garantindo que todos os cidadãos e cidadãs são iguais perante a lei e protegidos contra a discriminação, incluindo em razão da deficiência.
  • Convenção sobre os Direitos das Pessoas com Deficiência:
    A Convenção das Nações Unidas sobre os Direitos das Pessoas com Deficiência é um instrumento internacional que complementa e reafirma a Constituição da República Portuguesa, nesta matéria, e foi ratificado por Portugal em 2009. Estabelece um quadro robusto para proteger os direitos e a dignidade das pessoas com deficiência. Enfatiza a não discriminação e promove a sua plena participação na sociedade através de leis, políticas e programas específicos.

Links para websites relevantes

Leis e regulamentação sobre cuidados e apoio

Os sistemas de saúde e de assistência social em Portugal são geridos pelo Ministério da Saúde e pelo Ministério do Trabalho, Solidariedade e Segurança Social, apoiados por serviços públicos, instituições e iniciativas conjuntas. As principais redes incluem:

  • Rede Nacional de Cuidados Continuados Integrados – RNCCI: presta cuidados de saúde e apoio social de forma continuada, através de instituições públicas e privadas, com serviços disponíveis através de encaminhamento hospitalar. Apoia também os/as cuidadores/as informais, prestando apoio hospitalar ou domiciliário à pessoa que necessita de cuidados.
  • Rede Nacional de Cuidados Paliativos (RNCP): presta cuidados paliativos através de hospitais e cuidados domiciliários, garantindo intervenções integradas e coordenadas.
  • Instituições particulares de solidariedade social (IPSSs):cofinanciadas pelo estado, sem fins lucrativos, desempenham um papel crucial nos cuidados a pessoas com deficiências. A cobertura varia a nível regional.
O apoio adicional inclui instalações especializadas para pessoas adultas com deficiência, dependência ou problemas de saúde mental, bem como o Balcão da Inclusão, que oferece orientação sobre tópicos como a acessibilidade, benefícios fiscais, proteção social e cuidados de saúde.

Links para websites relevantes

Outras leis e considerações básicas

A Lei n.º 38/2004, de 18 de agosto estabelece um quadro abrangente para a promoção da igualdade, acessibilidade e inclusão das pessoas com deficiência. Os seus principais objetivos incluem garantir a igualdade de oportunidades, o acesso vitalício à educação, à formação e ao emprego, a remoção de barreiras e a disponibilização de acesso a serviços de apoio para promover a plena participação na sociedade. Disposições fundamentais:
  • Quotas de emprego: 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: as empresas devem empregar pessoas com deficiência, até 2% da sua força de trabalho, dependendo da dimensão. A Administração Pública deve cumprir ou ultrapassar a quota de 5%.
  • Reabilitação e apoio: a lei garante o acesso ao emprego, à formação, aos cuidados de saúde, à habitação, à educação, à cultura, ao desporto e aos transportes, adaptados às necessidades das pessoas.
  • Direitos sociais: o estado garante a segurança social, a saúde, os direitos do consumidor e o acesso à habitação, privilegiando o design universal e eliminando as barreiras arquitetónicas.
  • Educação e cultura inclusivas: as medidas garantem o acesso à educação inclusiva e a participação em atividades culturais e científicas.
  • Desporto e lazer: as pessoas com deficiência são apoiadas nos desportos recreativos e nas competições de alto rendimento, através de estruturas especializadas e de apoio social.

Links to relevant websites

Leis e regulamentação para os/as cuidadores/as informais

O Estatuto do Cuidador Informal (ECI), formalmente implementado a nível nacional em 2022, estabelece direitos fundamentais e medidas de apoio aos/às cuidadores/as informais, reconhecendo o seu papel crucial na garantia do bem-estar das pessoas sob os seus cuidados. As principais disposições incluem:

As principais disposições incluem:

  • Reconhecimento e apoio:
    – Reconhecimento do contributo essencial dos/as cuidadores/as para a saúde e a assistência social.
    – Formação e orientação para desenvolver as competências necessárias à prestação de cuidados adequados.
  • Acesso a informação e recursos:
    – Informação dos profissionais de saúde e de assistência social sobre o processo de cuidados e apoio disponível.
    – Atualizações sobre a progressão da doença e as melhores práticas para cuidar.
  • Apoio psicológico e emocional:
    – Acesso a assistência psicológica, mesmo após o falecimento da pessoa que necessitava de cuidados.
    – Períodos de descanso programados para promover o bem-estar e o equilíbrio emocional dos/as cuidadores/as.
  • Equilíbrio entre a vida pessoal e profissional:
    –  Medidas para ajudar os/as cuidadores/as não primários, a equilibrar a prestação de cuidados com as responsabilidades profissionais.
    –  Acesso ao regime de trabalhador/a-estudante para os/as cuidadores/as que continuam a estudar.
  • Participação na elaboração de políticas:
    –  Inclusão na definição de políticas públicas que têm impacto para os/as cuidadores/as informais.

Links para websites relevantes

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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