Poland disability assistance reform faces legislative challenges

Legislative efforts to establish a systemic personal assistance program for people with disabilities in Poland are facing significant hurdles. The proposed law aims to provide support that enables greater independence in work, education, and healthcare, fulfilling obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

However, recent parliamentary committee meetings have highlighted several controversies. Key issues include the rejection of amendments for assistant rate indexation and skepticism regarding the temporary expansion of eligible service providers. There are also concerns regarding the proposed use of tripartite contracts, which critics argue resemble mandate contracts rather than employment contracts, potentially leading to staffing shortages due to a lack of long-term career prospects.

Budgetary constraints further complicate the reform, with experts warning that spending cuts could deprive up to 8,000 people of services. Additionally, initial plans to reduce cooperation with non-governmental organizations faced backlash, leading to a reversal of the decision to restore some funding. Parallel legislative work is also underway regarding supported decision-making instruments intended to replace the institution of legal incapacitation.