Poland disability study highlights need for assisted living

A study conducted by the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) and the Polish Forum of Persons with Disabilities (PFON) indicates that people with disabilities in Poland are frequently treated as social welfare beneficiaries rather than full citizens. This perspective is cited as a primary reason for the slow development of assisted living solutions, which aim to provide independence through specialized support services.

The report, titled "Tenant or Ward?”, analyzed how current solutions in Poland align with the standards of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Researchers noted that many existing models still follow an institutional logic rather than a human rights approach. Examples include strict regulations regarding when residents can leave their homes or required meal times, and the use of communal cafeterias instead of private kitchens.

Under the Social Services Development Strategy, Poland aims to establish 7,000 assisted living apartments by 2030, with a goal of 12,000 by 2035. Dr. Magdalena Kocejko of SGH emphasized that the organization of daily life is a critical factor in determining whether support fosters independence or maintains institutional control.