Disability and invalidity in Brussels

People with a physical or mental disability can turn to many organisations in Brussels for support and advice. The policy for people with disabilities in Belgium is a federal, regional and community matter. An overview

General

The granting of benefits to adults with disabilities is in the hands of the Disabled Persons Directorate General of the Federal Public Service Social Security. The service also issues the necessary certificates to obtain social and fiscal advantages.

On the website of the Common Community Commission, you will find an overview of the services for assistance to people with disabilities in Brussels.

On the Dutch-speaking side

·        The online guide of the Brussels Point for Persons with Disabilities (BrAP) will help you find the information you are looking for.

·        The  Flemish Agency for Disabled Persons (VAPH) offers tailor-made support to persons with disabilities.

·        The Brussels Health and Welfare Council, with the support of the Flemish Community Commission (FCC), also publishes the Brussels Zakboekje (Brussels Booklet). It is a guide with contact details of all Brussels establishments from the welfare and health sector, including services for people with disabilities. A copy can be ordered through the website of the Knowledge Centre for Welfare, Housing and Care (WWZ).

·        The Brussels Regionaal Overleg Gehandicaptenzorg (BROG) (Regional Disability Care Consultation) is a sectoral institution for consultation and cooperation in the field of disability care.

·        Kind en Gezin also offers help and guidance for children with disabilities.

·        The bilingual website, de Sociale Kaart (the Social Map), gives a complete overview of the facilities in the welfare and health sector in Flanders and Brussels in just a few clicks. Here you will find all information for people with disabilities.

On the French-speaking side

·        The Brussels service PHARE (Personne Handicapée Autonomie Recherchée – Disabled Person Autonomy Sought) of the French Community Commission offers information, orientation, assistance and guidance to people with disabilities in the Brussels-Capital Region.

PHARE is aimed at every inhabitant of the Brussels-Capital Region under the age of 65 with a physical handicap of at least 30% or a mental handicap of at least 20%.

Mobility

The section on persons with reduced mobility provides useful information on moving about in Brussels.