Brussels has launched a unique online platform for people with disabilities in response to the urgent need for a centralised source of information on available services and support for these people in the region.
The launch of the online platform marks a milestone for people with disabilities in Brussels. A comprehensive study, carried out in 2022, showed they face a complex landscape of public authorities and private organisations, making it difficult to obtain a comprehensive support package tailored to their specific needs.
Now, the handicap.brussels website gives them access to essential data from all competent bodies and associations, both by Brussels authorities and associations or private structures recognised by the authorities, all grouped on one online platform.
"As the institutions in our country are particularly complex, especially in Brussels, there was an urgent need to clarify the offer for people with disabilities and their families," said Alain Maron (Ecolo), member of the Joint Community Commission in charge of Health and Welfare. "With handicap.brussels, the people of Brussels finally have a single evolving gateway to all the information in this field that may be useful to them."
It provides them with information on various aspects of life and guides them to the right channels to apply for support or concessions, aiming to cover all the needs that people experience in their daily lives (grouped into 12 main themes). The content will be regularly updated to ensure that the information is as reliable and complete as possible.
The website has undergone an extensive accessibility audit and was given the Anysurfer label, meaning the website scores high in accessibility. For a wider reach, the information will eventually also be made available in sign language and in easy-to-read and understand language (FALC) to reach an even larger number of people.
