The principles of Finnish policy concerning people with disabilities are the rights to
- equality
- participation
- positive special treatment.
As a member state of the UN and the EU Finland is committed to promoting an open society for all. The non-discrimination of people with disabilities is written into the Finnish Constitution.
Disability services are covered by a variety of legislation - on disability services, rehabilitation, the Social Insurance Institution and concerning accident and motor vehicle insurance, and on services and support based on disability.
The participation of people with disabilities is realized when
- they are regarded positively
- their needs are taken into account
- restrictive obstacles are anticipated, identified and removed.
General public services are planned in order to suit everyone. When this is insufficient special services are arranged, such as housing, assistive device, transport and interpretation services.
The services and support measures for people with disabilities are examples of positive special treatment to safeguard equality.
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Assistive devices |
Assistive devices are available from health centres or by referral from the assistive device units of health care districts. Assistive device services include instruction on use, renewal and maintenance. The services are free of charge. Assistive devices for use to help with social life and recreation are also available as a disability service from social welfare departments. |
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Home renovations |
People with severe disabilities are reimbursed for renovations made to their home and for devices installed in the home, as well as for the costs of acquiring devices and equipment. |
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Personal assistant |
Municipalities reimburse a person with disabilities for wages paid to a personal assistant. The disabled individual, or his or her guardian or carer, act as the employer of the personal assistant. |
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Special services for people with intellectual disabilities |
Special care services arranged for people with intellectual disabilities include:
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Transportation services |
Municipalities arrange free transportation services for work, study, running errands, social participation and recreation. |
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Rehabilitation |
Health centres and hospitals are in charge of arranging statutory rehabilitation for people with disabilities. |
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Support for informal care |
The help and care a person with disabilities needs can be arranged using informal care. |
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Service accommodation and institutional care |
Service accommodation in Finland is arranged for people with severe disabilities, who need regular assistance in daily matters at certain times throughout the day. Institutional care guarantees that a person received continual round-the-clock care. |
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Family care |
Family care is round-the-clock care in a private home. As a disability service it is in particular organised as a service for handicapped people. |
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Adaptation and rehabilitation guidance |
Adaptation training helps people with disabilities adjust to and to live with their disability. Rehabilitation guidance helps people with disabilities to apply for and receive services in society. |
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Financial support |
Disability benefit helps people with disabilities to take part in working life or to study, and to maintain their working capacity, living at home, rehabilitation and treatment. |
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Interpretation services |
People with severe hearing, hearing and sight, and speech disabilities are entitled to receive free interpretation services. |
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Employment |
Activities to support employment are arranged for people with disabilities, as well as rehabilitative work activities to help maintain working capacity. |
Personal service plans for people with disabilities
For the most part the municipalities in Finland are responsible for providing disability services. People with disabilities have a personal service plan to clarify the services and support they require. The personal service plan is drawn up by the municipal officials, the individual concerned and his or her relative or guardian.
Rehabilitation instructors draw up service and rehabilitation plans together with the client and other officials working in health care and disability organizations.
