Twins Igor and Victor were born healthy. As time passed, the world they had just begun to explore disappeared. The boys stopped looking and stopped walking. A developmental delay was detected. During the infection, epileptic seizures occurred. The parents traveled all over Poland with their children to obtain a diagnosis and implement effective treatment. After numerous medical examinations, it was determined that the boys likely had a rare genetic disease. cannot be effectively treated.
Today, the twins turned 8 years old. Both children have lost their eyesight and have developmental delays. Igor needs help, but is able to move on his own. He is healthier than his brother. Victor doesn't walk at all. – He suffered from encephalitis this year. Doctors barely saved him. Although we are now recovering, this disease has taken away many of the things we have managed to work out over the years. The tension in his muscles changed. Previously, he could take a few steps on his own or crawl, but now there is no question about it, – Natalia Wegzin, the boys' mother, told Interlia.
My 8 year old son uses a wheelchair. The big problem is leaving the house every day. Parents must place the 25-pound boy in a car seat. My mother already has spinal problems.
Funding from PFRON is Wiktor's hope
Their hope was co-financing from the PFRON program “Independence, Activity, Mobility!''. Mobility of people with disabilities. PLN 150,000 is a service for purchasing a car specially adapted to the needs of people who are unable to move on their own. – A car with such a lamp is a godsend for us. Wiktorek is growing and getting heavier. If she had them, Natalia says, she would be able to put her son in the stroller and ride with him in the car.
The family first submitted an application to PFRON's Lesser Polska branch in March. The third round of recruitment was underway. The application is positively verified and the good news ends there. There were more people who needed support than money. The order of applications was important. Victor was 80 years old, but no help was available.
When another opportunity presented itself, they wanted to do everything they could to make it a success. The fourth round of recruitment for the “SAM Mobility” program began on August 1st this year. From 10:00.
As soon as the adoption process started, Natalia started submitting the application and quickly added all the necessary attachments, including a doctor's note confirming that the child was not traveling alone . In the blink of an eye, precious time has passed. Then there's the trusted profile signature and everything is in suspense. “Let's hope the network isn't destroyed” and you're done. – At 10:14 the application was successfully submitted. It turned out that he was in third place. I'm glad it went well this time, I hear.
The stamp that ruined Victor's chances
The joy didn't last long. In September, Mrs. Natalia received a call from PFRON informing her that her doctor's certificate was incomplete. The stamp lists a doctor, not a specialist neurologist, and the application is likely to be rejected.
– I burst into tears. The problem was that the doctor who signed the certificate had a specialty in neurology, but I didn't know that. As you know, this is a specialized facility in Lodz called the Institute of Polish Maternal Health Center, Department of Developmental Neurology and Epilepsy, where we have been receiving treatment for a long time. The director of the clinic was on vacation, but we knew this doctor. She was our doctor. And I didn't think her qualifications would be invalidated. Especially since there was a facility sticker in addition to the stamp. I asked if they could submit a new certificate and they said they could do it the same day. According to Wiktor's mother, the woman who called me acknowledged that this was a very unusual situation and assured me that she would find out if anything could be done and call me back.
When she called a few days later, she was told there was nothing that could be done and that she would receive a formal letter via email and not to call.
We are considering a formal rejection letter. The basis for this is that “Medical certificates are issued by doctors whose specialty has not been confirmed in the Central Register of Physicians of the Supreme Medical Chamber. The stamp of a medical facility or medical practice serves as the basis for reliable verification of the application. It says “No.”
Another 20 people received funding in Lesser Polska.
PFRON: These are the rules of the program
Mrs. Natalia attempted to appeal. She also went to her lawyer, who said in a letter to PFRON that applicants can present the same medical certificate in the first and second rounds of the program. I would like to remind you that Mrs. Natalia's application was definitely verified during the last recruitment, since the certificate was signed by another doctor – a neurologist.
Unfortunately, during the 4th round of recruitment, the rules changed and the medical certificate had to be issued at least 120 days before the application submission date.
Therefore, in response to Wiktor's mother's complaint, “Only the documents attached to the application in the current recruitment round will be evaluated. Specialist employees of the branch will refer to previous applications when checking attachments. It says “No.”
– The applicant must fulfill all the requirements specified in the program regulations – PFRON spokesperson Matylda Piątkowska confirmed Interia.
– The need to use a wheelchair, the inability to ambulate without a wheelchair, and the inability to transfer from a wheelchair to a car seat independently must be confirmed by an orthopedic, rehabilitation, or neurology physician, as appropriate. It is necessary. certificate form. The program rules do not provide for supplements to the application. Applications must be complete at the time of submission. If proper certification is missing, the PFRON branch will reject the application as a formality. These rules apply to all applicants, he explains.
At the same time, we reserve that, before the start of each recruitment process for the “SAM Mobility” program, those interested in submitting an application may instead view their documents at a local branch of PFRON at a convenient time. of residence.
When Mrs. Natalia's friend submitted the application in a hurry, she did not attach the second page of one of the required certificates. According to the rules, she had no opportunity to correct her mistake and received no support.
Rep. Iwona Hartwich: Change is needed.
PFRON ensured that participants' comments were taken into account. – We are currently analyzing possible improvements. However, changing program requirements is the responsibility of the PFRON Supervisory Board, says Matylda Piątkowska.
– Many people call my Congressional office who are injured and are not receiving assistance from PFRON. I also intervene in these matters. The program is very complex. People with disabilities and their families are often unable to even fill out forms or fill them out correctly. Changes are needed, we need clearer and more accessible programs – commented Iwona Hartwich MP, who works for people with disabilities, in an interview with Interia.
Victor's mother still carries him to the car every day. She collects money for her son's car via zrzutka.pl.
“The mission of the Fund is to promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in professional and social life,” reads on PFRON's website.
Paulina Matysiak: I would consider running for president of Poland/RMF24.pl/RMF.
