The new National Action Plan for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was presented this Monday. DP ministers Max Hahn and Claude Meisch, together with their government colleagues, unveiled 50 objectives and 119 concrete measures to remove barriers in all areas of everyday life.
The plan addresses access to information, education, healthcare, employment and housing. Its measures include:
- The access4all platform, which from next year will show how accessible places, buildings, services and activities are for people with different needs.
- A one-stop shop for people with disabilities, bringing together information on available support and benefits. People will receive individual guidance, and administrative procedures will be made easier.
- Personal budgets and support services in the community, making it easier for people to organise assistance according to their needs and live in their familiar surroundings.
- Reform of guardianship law to give greater weight to the wishes and preferences of the people concerned. Protective measures should be as non-restrictive as possible and regularly reviewed.
- Better coordination between schools and after-school care services for children with specific needs.
- Reform of the employment status for people with disabilities and of support in the workplace.
“Nothing about us without us” was a key principle in developing the plan. People with disabilities, associations and professionals were involved in its preparation and will continue to help oversee its implementation. The National Action Plan is a government-wide effort and will be independently evaluated after five years. Overall coordination lies with the Ministry of Family Affairs.
You can find the full action plan here.
In 2021, more than 94,000 people in Luxembourg reported living with a disability.
(Photos © SIP)
