Belarus will create a mechanism for situational assistance for people with disabilities. A draft law on the rights of persons with disabilities and their social integration was discussed in Zelva

With no restrictions. That’s the way people want to live with disabilities. A number of legal acts have been sent to their integration into society — rehabilitation, education, employment, creation of an accessible environment — in the country. A National Action Plan for the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including the improvement of legislation, has been developed. For example, now there is a public discussion of the draft law “On the rights of persons with disabilities and their social integration”. This document became the main topic of conversation during the round table held in the region on the eve of the Day of Disabled Persons.

The event was held at the base of the day-stay department for disabled people with the participation of deputy of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Alla Sopikova, deputy chairman of the district executive committee Sergei Loiko, representatives of other interested services in the presence of parents of disabled children and people of working age.

Commenting on the most significant moments of the bill, Alla Sopikova stressed that the document is aimed at making the life of a person with a disability comfortable and convenient in all situations.

– For example, — said the deputy, — the project clearly spelled out the measures for the integration of persons with disabilities into all spheres of society. Many people think that if you install a ramp in a house where a person with a disability lives, the problem is removed. But it is not. Barrier-free environment — a broader concept. It is natural that a person should get into any institution without obstacles.

An important measure is the introduction of a gradation mechanism for limiting a person’s capacity depending on the degree of mental disorder. After all, there are situations when a person is recognized as incapable, but he can work and even live on his own with some outside help.

The project is about creating a mechanism for situational assistance. What it is? Every public institution should have trained personnel who are ready to assist people with disabilities.

The practice of providing accommodation services will be improved. While such services are used by people with disabilities I and II groups. The plans — to expand the potential audience. Boarding should be a last resort, especially when it comes to young people.

Having commented on many other points contained in the document, Alla Nikolaevna called on the participants of the meeting for an active dialogue. Most of the suggestions and wishes came from parents raising children with disabilities. The most relevant MP promised to convey information to the Parliament.

Further the conversation at the round table was continued by the head of the department for labor, employment and social protection Natalya Yurkevich. Natalia Tadeushevna spoke about the guarantees and benefits provided for disabled children and parents raising such children.

Svetlana Alexeyan, Leading Specialist of the Center for Health Improvement and Sanatorium-Resort Treatment in the Zelva District, spoke about the possibility of free rehabilitation of disabled children in sanatoriums. Persons accompanying disabled children under the age of 18 are provided with vouchers free of charge (without treatment), provided that the need for such support is confirmed by the conclusion of the medical consultation commission. In order to improve the health of disabled children, Svetlana Nikolaevna considers close cooperation with doctors important.

The round table was also about medical rehabilitation as one of the effective measures for involving people with disabilities in social life. The rehabilitation doctor Yevgeny Dorosh spoke about the complex of services provided by the central regional hospital.

Summing up the round table, Sergei Loiko stressed that today the state policy towards disabled people is aimed at creating conditions for the full involvement of this category of people in society, providing them with equal opportunities. Sergei Nikolayevich highly appreciated the creative achievements of visitors to the day-care department for people with disabilities, noting that they not only realize their potential, but also glorify Zelvenshchyna on regional and even republican scenes.

Claudia KRECHKO