Training according to the Disability Services Act supports you in learning or strengthening the skills needed for an independent life. Such skills include, for example, skills related to transactions, communication, interaction, movement, and other everyday activities. You can also receive training on changes in your life and how to prepare for them. Such situations can include moving to a new hom ...
Access to disability services is based on an individual assessment of the need for services. New clients are referred to disability services through the client and service counselling Soihtu or the client and service counselling for the elderly. The assessment of the need for services first evaluates the suitability and adequacy of the services in accordance with the Social Welfare Act. After that, the need for services in accordance with the Disability Services Act is assessed.
If you are applying for disability services for the first time and are under 65 years of age, contact the Soihtu Team in your municipality by phone, via Varha App or fill in the form: Ilmoitus/yhteydenotto sosiaalihuoltoon tuen tarpeen arvioimiseksi (huoli-ilmoitus).
If you are over 65 years old, you can contact the client and service counselling for the elderly. The customer helpline for services for the elderly is available on weekdays in Finnish on 02 313 2100 (9-15) and in Swedish on 02 313 2200 (9-15).
If you are already a client of Varha’s Disability Services and you are applying for a new service or a change to an existing service, you can contact your designated Disability Services employee or fill in the Disability Services application form. The Disability Service Application is for existing clients of the disability services.
If you don't know who to contact, you can contact the disability services office or disability services counsellor in your area. The disability services in the wellbeing services county of Southwest Finland can provide you with help and advice on applying for the service.
When you apply, please attach a medical report or statement describing your current state of health, how you function and what kind of help you need in everyday situations. The best way to support your assessment is to get a statement from a care provider who knows your situation best. This should be as recent as possible, no more than a year old. If necessary, a disability services worker will advise you on how to provide health information.
You can receive special services under the Disability Services Act if you have a long-term and permanent illness, impairment or disability and you absolutely need support and assistance in your everyday life. The disability service complements other social and health services when they are not sufficient or suitable for the needs of a person with disabilities.
You may be eligible for this service if you do not have the skills needed for an independent life or if your skills are insufficient. You may also need to practice using your skills in your new environment and therefore need support to do so. You must be able to set clear and achievable goals for your training. Training is not a substitute for healthcare and medical rehabilitation, which are the primary services. When you apply for communication-related training, you must have an appropriate communication method or communication aid that suits you. We also need a statement from a speech therapist about your need for the service.
Your family and other close relatives may be eligible if their participation in the training is necessary to achieve your goals and the training is related to teaching sign language and guidance in using communication methods that support or replace speech, as well as training in supporting the person with a disability during life changes. As a time-limited service, other types of training can also be provided to relatives if it can prevent the need for stronger or long-term services.
Disability Services Act.