The primary objective is to provide equal access to quality services. In order to organise an effective service system for disabled people there is a need for local small and regional civil organisations which perform classical interest protection tasks as well as actively participate in the implementation of public tasks assumed from the state and intend to become cooperation partners for all public and non-public actors, working in the area.

Equal opportunities must be guaranteed by strengthening the service type of institutional care, building, modernising and changing institutions, and strengthening the organisation of integrated services in accordance with the residential environment.

Between 2004 and 2006, our Ministry intends to launch and develop new types of model programmes and services, which have not existed before, and with the help of which people with severe and multiple disabilities, such as blind and autistic individuals, will also have access to support which will result in their successful rehabilitation and will create the foundations of their independent lives.

Model programmes for regional sign language interpretation centres

The objective of this programme is to continue to provide the special service launched in 2003 to compensate deaf people and people with hearing deficiencies for their disadvantages arising from communication barriers. We support the operation of this service established at regional levels (nationwide).

Promotion of infrastructure development of services supporting social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

The Ministry and the Structural Funds Programme Office have issued calls for applications for the development of services involving daytime care for disabled people. This programme will provide assistance to the user of services, as well as their families in coordinating their family obligations with those at the workplace, and will also assist in their participation in the labour market. Two groups enjoy priority in granting the support: institutions and organisations providing daytime care for severely or increasingly disabled individuals, and regional centres with rehabilitation services for people who have lost their eyesight.

A system of services for autistic individuals

Upon the initiative of representatives of the advocacy group of autistic persons, it will be possible this year to create a centre providing complex services and assisting the rehabilitation of autistic children and adults. The Ministry plans to establish regional autism centres at two sites in the framework of a model programme in 2004. Within the programme an institution would be established where the examination staff concluding the right diagnosis, the conditions for development and education premises can be found in one place. Further social integration of young adults after the compulsory schooling age could take place with the help of the social care system (daytime institutions, residential homes, support service).

The Ministry still considers regular dialogue with advocacy groups representing disabled people and relevant civil organisations very important. Outstanding fora of such activities include the National Disability Council and the Civil Workshop assisting the Council in its activities. In order to have an effective system of services for disabled people local small and regional civil organisations are needed which, in addition to interest representation and advocacy, take an active role in public tasks too, and would like to become cooperation partners for all public and non-public actors operating in this area.

From next year a significantly higher amount of funds will be available for grant applications for services provided by advocacy organisations and groups than this year. The Structural Funds of the European Union, and the National Civil Basic Programme will provide funds for civil organisations, including also organisations representing the interests of disabled people, as a result of which civil organisations will be able to increase their participation in the delivery of public tasks within the society.

From 1 July 2004, new parking licences will be introduced which will be accepted in other countries, primarily in the territory of the European Union as equivalent with the licences issued in the given Member State.

The scope of eligibility for this parking licence will be significantly expanded, too, and beneficiaries will include blind and autistic people, people with severe mental deficiencies and visual impairment, i.e. persons restricted in movement due to reasons other than diseases of their locomotor organs.