“Such a big bill requires a lot of work, and sometimes these processes are long and drawn out.”
Source: TVN24 Families of the disabled organized a demonstration in front of the prime minister's office on Tuesday. They demand that the law on personal assistance be introduced.
The authorized representative of the government on the disabled and the deputy minister of family, labor and social policy Lukash Krason met with the participants of the demonstration. – I wanted it to be half a year ago, but this is such a big job and requires so much work that sometimes these processes take a little longer, – he explained. – If the draft law reaches the Seimas in the first quarter of next year and the president signs it, we will start implementing it immediately, – Krason added.
The deputy minister explained that this document was written in September, but during this period work on the financing mechanism continued. – We succeeded, we prepared a task that matches our capabilities. Public consultations are ahead of us, he said.
The politician also thanked the protesters for putting pressure on the government to introduce this benefit.
Demonstration of disabled people in front of the prime minister's office
Source: Radek Pietruszka/PAP
What should a Personal Assistance Act include?
The draft act on personal assistance provides that a person with a disability can decide that this service will be provided by an assistant of their choice (it cannot be a family member) or a person working with non-governmental organizations. organized in its region or in the district system.
According to the project, a system of requirements for assistants will be defined, which includes appropriate training and verification of qualifications and competencies.
Determining the right to personal assistance is possible by submitting an application to the relevant regional disability assessment team. The assessment of the need of a disabled person for personal assistance is also carried out on the basis of the form of self-assessment of such needs, an interview at the place of residence and observation.
A disabled person can use the personal assistance given to him for a certain period of time, which ensures the necessary flexibility of the support and allows it to be used according to the needs of the user. The disabled person determines each time the amount of service that should be covered by the assistance.
The planned date of adoption of the project by the Council of Ministers is the first quarter of 2025. The cost of this act in the first year of its validity is estimated at PLN 3 billion.
Demonstration of disabled people in front of the prime minister's office
Source: Radek Pietruszka/PAP
There is also a presidential bill
On Tuesday, in the Presidential Palace, Andrzej Duda together with First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda participated in the ceremony of awarding state awards to athletes, coaches, activists, teachers and representatives of non-governmental organizations for public services. with the disabled.
Andrzej Duda emphasized that the awards are symbolic thanks from the Polish state to people who work for other people. As he emphasized, the extraordinary role of disabled people is to show that despite the difficulties, success and personal satisfaction are possible. – The great and completely immanent feature of the modern state is that it is a state with equal opportunities for everyone – said the president.
He mentioned that the Seimas adopted the presidential bill on personal assistance to the disabled, which aims to increase access and equalize opportunities. According to Deputy Minister Krason, the presidential plan is “very inadequate” and some provisions do not comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He assessed that the government bill, which was added to the government's legislative agenda on Friday, was “much better” prepared.
ALSO READ: President's personal assistance bill sent to committee
Established by the United Nations in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated on December 3.
Author: MR/b
Source: TVN24, tvn24.pl, PAP
Main photo source: Radek Pietruszka/PAP
