Disability in Belgium is not just a medical diagnosis, but a socially significant topic, which the state approaches comprehensively. In recent years, the country has been actively adapting legislation and assistance programs in accordance with European standards and conventions. Thanks to this integration, people with disabilities receive more and more opportunities for a full life, social integration, education and employment.
Belgium is committed to equal rights and maximum support for citizens with disabilities, regardless of age, origin or type of disability. This policy is implemented through state benefits, accessible infrastructure, legal protection and participation in international initiatives of the European Union.
Definition of disability in Belgium
Disability in Belgium is not defined solely by physical limitations. The law covers a wide range of disabilities, including mental and psychiatric conditions that significantly affect a person’s ability to lead an independent life. Medical examinations are carried out by specialized bodies, and a decision on recognizing disability is made on the basis of the conclusion.
Signs by which a person can be recognized as disabled:
- persistent disorders of the musculoskeletal system that limit movement
- loss of vision or significant reduction in vision
- severe hearing impairment
- mental retardation, autism, Down syndrome
- mental disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression)
- chronic diseases that affect daily activities (eg, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy)
- consequences of severe injuries or operations
- disorders caused by congenital pathologies
- a combination of several restrictions that impair quality of life
Official recognition of disability opens access to social support, benefits and adapted infrastructure. In each case, it is necessary to undergo a medical and social examination, which confirms the degree of limitation of body functions. Only after this can a person apply for state assistance.
Interesting fact: in Belgium, the degree of disability is measured as a percentage – to receive benefits it must be at least 66%.
Legislative framework and rights of persons with disabilities
Belgium builds its policy towards people with disabilities on the basis of legal equality and social justice. The state consistently implements anti-discrimination norms and adapts legislation to international standards. One of the key tasks is to protect the rights and freedoms of people with disabilities at all levels – from education to employment.
The main laws and regulations governing the rights of persons with disabilities in Belgium are:
- The Anti-Discrimination Act of 10 May 2007 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all areas of public life
- The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – ratified by Belgium, enshrines the country’s international obligations
- The European Disability Card is a document that provides recognition of disability in other EU countries and access to certain rights
- Federal Equal Opportunity Act (Loi relative to the state des chances) – introduces mechanisms for the implementation of equal opportunities in education, at work, in the public sphere
- Government Decree on Accessible Environment – contains mandatory standards for public buildings, transport and urban infrastructure
- Regional legislation (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels) complements federal regulations, ensuring local adaptation of the rights of persons with disabilities
The Belgian legal system aims to ensure that people with disabilities can exercise their rights without restrictions. Violations are subject to administrative measures and the possibility of filing a complaint with independent bodies. Legal assistance is provided free of charge in most cases related to the protection of the rights of people with disabilities.
Important: The European Disability Card is issued free of charge, but to obtain it you need official confirmation of your status and an application through your local social security authority.
Benefits and social support
The Belgian state provides people with disabilities with a variety of support, both financial and organizational. The amount of payments depends on the degree of disability, income, and other factors. In addition to benefits, there are benefits, employment support, adapted housing, and medical care.
Main forms of benefits and social support:
- Basic disability benefit (allocation de relocation de revenus): from 1,000 to 1,300 euros per month, depending on marital status and other income
- Additional allowance for household assistance (allocation d’integration): from 100 to 600 euros per month, determined depending on the degree of dependence on assistance from third parties
- Allowance for medical expenses and medicines
- Tax reduction and exemption from some fees
- Free or discounted public transport
- The right to adapt housing at the expense of the state (for example, installation of ramps, handrails, widening of doorways)
- Subsidies for technical rehabilitation equipment (wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.)
- Employment assistance – quotas, subsidized jobs, coaching services
- Priority admission to adapted schools and provision of assistants
- Free legal advice on disability rights
You can receive the benefit after passing a medical examination and submitting an application to the Federal Social Security Service. The application is submitted online or through municipal authorities. It is necessary to provide documents confirming the diagnosis, income level and need for assistance.
The Belgian social system is designed to ensure not just survival, but a decent quality of life. The level of support varies, but in most cases covers the key needs of a person with a disability.
Tip: The more information and certificates you submit with your application, the faster your case will be processed and the higher your chances of receiving the maximum amount of benefits.
Access to education and rehabilitation
Belgium ensures the right to education for children and adults with disabilities, regardless of their physical or mental condition. The educational system combines an inclusive approach with the possibility of studying in special institutions. In addition to schools, the country has actively developed rehabilitation and vocational programs.
How access to education and rehabilitation is ensured:
- Preschool institutions accept children with disabilities on equal terms
- Inclusive classes with support from assistants operate in primary and secondary schools
- Special schools are available, divided according to the type of disability (motor, intellectual, mental, sensory impairments)
- An individual learning plan is developed for each child, taking into account their health characteristics.
- Technical means are being introduced into educational institutions: Braille, textbooks with audio, special tablets
- Vocational colleges and training centres offer tailored courses and internships
- The state finances the retraining and requalification of disabled adults
- Rehabilitation centers operate in hospitals and as separate institutions, offering medical and social assistance, psychological support and physiotherapy.
- Home-based learning programs are available for people with severe disabilities
- Transportation to educational institutions is organized taking into account restrictions on movement
Access to education for people with disabilities in Belgium is based on respect for individuality. The aim of the system is to maximise the potential of each person, regardless of their health status. Support is provided at all levels, from local authorities to federal programmes.
Interesting fact: in some regions of Belgium, children with disabilities are educated in regular classes, receiving diplomas equal in status to graduates of standard schools.
Employment and professional integration
Belgium is actively implementing measures aimed at including people with disabilities in the labour market. Public and private organizations jointly develop adaptation and support programs. Employment is perceived not as an obligation, but as everyone’s right to a decent life.
Employment guarantee and professional integration:
- Public employment agencies such as VDAB (Flanders), Actiris (Brussels), FOREM (Wallonia) offer the services of consultants focused on the needs of people with disabilities.
- Career guidance and support programs before and after employment
- Mandatory quotas for the admission of disabled people to state institutions
- Subsidies for employers hiring employees with disabilities – covering part of the salary, expenses for adaptation of the workplace
- Technical assistance: equipment modification, installation of auxiliary systems
- Protected workplaces are enterprises with a special status created for the employment of people with severe disabilities.
- Flexible schedules and remote work formats
- Internship, paid practice and on-the-job training programs
- Examples of inclusive companies: postal services, municipalities, shops that provide workplaces with support
- State funded continuing education courses available online and offline
In Belgium, the goal is not just to employ people with disabilities, but to ensure their full participation in economic life. The workplace must match the person’s capabilities, not the other way around. Support is provided to both the candidates themselves and the employers.
Important: in some provinces of Belgium, there is individual support for disabled employees by a supervisor who helps them adapt to the team and stay in the job.
Accessible environment and infrastructure
Accessibility is a key element of inclusion for people with disabilities. In Belgium, steps are being taken to remove architectural and transport barriers. Despite significant progress, there are still areas with limited accessibility in some regions.
Adaptation of the environment and infrastructure for people with disabilities in Belgium:
- Ramps, voice-controlled elevators, and automatic doors are installed in public buildings (municipalities, hospitals, schools)
- New construction must comply with universal design principles
- Railway and metro stations are equipped with lifts, low-floor platforms and visual navigation
- City transport (buses and trams) is equipped with retractable ramps and places for strollers
- Taxis with lifts are available upon prior arrangement.
- of lowered curbs and tactile paths on the streets is increasing
- Parking markings for disabled people are strictly observed, and there is a fine for violation.
- Access to museums, theatres and shopping centres is being improved through upgraded entrances and sanitary areas
- Public toilets are provided with cubicles with wide doors and handrails.
- Mobile applications are being developed with information about available routes, places and services
Belgium is moving towards allowing everyone to move freely and use the city’s infrastructure without restrictions. Inclusion is becoming a mandatory standard in planning and construction. But in some older buildings and smaller towns, there are still barriers.
Interesting fact: Antwerp has a “barrier-free city” map that shows routes and buildings that are fully accessible to people with disabilities.
Public and international organizations
Public and international organisations play an important role in improving the lives of people with disabilities in Belgium. They provide legal, psychological, social and practical support. They also promote integration, protect rights and develop international cooperation.
Belgian and international organizations with description:
- League Braille (Braille League) is an organization for the support of the blind and visually impaired. Provides training, consultations, adapted books and audio materials. Website: www.braille.be
- GRIP (Gelijke Recht voor Iedere Persoon) is an organization that advocates for equal rights for people with disabilities. It monitors discrimination and promotes inclusion policies.
- Collectif Accessibility Wallonie Bruxelles is a group of activists monitoring accessibility of the urban environment. They promote the adaptation of transport and infrastructure
- Inclusion asbl — an organization for supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families. They deal with issues of education, employment and independent living
- PHARE (Personnel Handicap Autonomy Recherchée is a government agency in Brussels that helps with paperwork, employment and support
- The European Disability Forum is an international platform uniting NGOs from different European countries. It lobbies for the interests of people with disabilities at the EU level
- Handicap International is a global organisation, also active in Belgium. It supports rehabilitation, medical care and social integration.
- UNIA is an inter-federal centre for equal opportunities. It receives complaints, provides education and reviews laws.
- Vlaamse Vereniging voor Persons met yes Handicap (VFG) is a major Flemish association that brings together people with disabilities and promotes their interests.
- Autism Europe is a European organisation based in Brussels that works to protect the rights of people with autism and their families.
Belgium offers a well-developed network of organisations covering different types of disabilities and forms of assistance. The work is carried out at local, national and international levels. Families and people with disabilities themselves can receive professional support on almost all issues.