Amendments have been adopted to the regulations governing the implementation of the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) investment “Promoting the Availability of Assistive Technologies”. The changes will increase support for people who require assistive technologies and help reduce waiting times for receiving them.
The amendments are set out in the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation “Regulations on the Implementation and Monitoring of Investment 3.1.2.6.i ‘Promoting the Availability of Assistive Technologies’ under Reform and Investment Direction 3.1 ‘Regional Policy’ and Reform 3.1.2.r ‘Accessibility of Social and Employment Services in Support of the Minimum Income Reform’ of the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan”, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 21 July.
The amendments introduce several changes for implementation of the investment, including an increase in available funding and an extention of the implementation period. The investment budgetwill be increased from EUR 7.2 millionto EUR 7.6 million, with the additional funding allocated to the National Rehabilitation Centre Vaivari to improve access to assistive technologies.
Furthermore, EUR 374,000 in savings from RRF Investment 3.1.2.1.i “Measures to Promote Access to Public Services and Employment for Persons with Functional Impairments”, specifically from the second phase, “Support Measures for Persons with Disabilities to Improve the Accessibility of the Housing Environment”, will be reallocated to this investment. State budget funding for to cover value added tax (VAT) costs will also be increased by EUR 35,000.
This additional funding will help ensure the availability of assistive technologies with enhanced functionality in response to growing demand and reduce the risk of waiting lists. It is expected to finance the provision of a additional 132 assistive technology devices.