On Wednesday, the Council of Ministers presented a draft special act aimed at mitigating the effects of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The document provides for a number of solutions that will also support people with disabilities, as well as their caregivers and employers. It also allows PFRON to launch an assistance program.
The so-called anti-crisis shield package provides for the amendment of the special act on counteracting the effects of COVID-19, as well as the amendment of some other acts, including the key act for PFRON operations on vocational and social rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons.
The draft act provides for a package of proposals that will significantly help people with disabilities and employers employing them during the difficult period caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
New subsidy rates: "We actively participated in the preparation and review of solutions that will help people with disabilities during this difficult time. We are glad that as part of the assistance package for entrepreneurs, the government accepted our proposal to increase subsidies for wages of disabled employees," says PFRON President Krzysztof Michałkiewicz.
The special act provides for an increase in subsidies for wages of disabled employees to 1,950 PLN for people with a significant degree of disability and to 1,200 PLN for people with a moderate degree.
PFRON supports OTWs and VAEs: The government proposal also secures occupational therapy workshops and vocational activity establishments. Despite the suspension of activities, the facilities will continue to receive funding from PFRON.
New PFRON program: The draft provides that the PFRON President may make transfers provided for in the Fund's financial plan in the scope of amounts for individual types of tasks and financing new ones not provided for in the financial plan. This will make it possible to increase the budget for a new assistance program that will allow for quick and effective response to the needs of people with disabilities.
The Fund, as part of the new PFRON Supervisory Board program, will co-finance the costs of home care for those disabled persons who, due to the epidemic, cannot use organized activities.
