Summary
The day programmes and overnight accommodation sector for people with disabilities offers various types of services that are designed to best meet the specific needs of this target group.
Depending on the service, support can take different forms:
- programmes during the day only;
- supervised accommodation;
- full residential accommodation: i.e. the main place of residence for people with disabilities. Care support is provided every day of the year, 24 hours a day.
The service offer is structured into two distinct sectors:
- a sector for young people up to 21 years of age (outpatient follow-up is possible up to the age of 25);
- another sector for adults (aged 18 or over).
The existing services are as follows:
- adult day programme services (SAJA);
- adult residential services (SRA);
- adult night residential services (SRNA);
- residential services for young people (SRJ);
- specialist day programme services for young people (SAS’J);
- supervised living services (SLS).
The support provided by these services is part of an effort to improve quality of life. It must be adapted to the specific needs, expectations, wishes and pace of each individual. It aims to promote social, civic and cultural integration and personal fulfilment.
To achieve this, the services offer several types of support:
- educational support through a variety of adapted activities;
- psychological support;
- social support;
- therapeutic support.
The providers of the various services must comply with a regulatory framework, which includes, in particular:
- compliance with the minimum supervision standards;
- infrastructure requirements; and
- obligations concerning the users, including setting up an individual plan for each person receiving the support.
Moreover, such services are subject to regular financial and quality audits, as part of a continuous effort to improve the care support provided.
Key points
In 1997, Wallonia established a moratorium suspending the creation and financing of new accredited facilities providing day programmes for people with disabilities in Wallonia. Certain exceptions to the moratorium are possible and are left to the discretion of the Walloon government.
The services are subsidised by AVIQ. People admitted to day programmes must make a financial contribution to their care, which is calculated based on their income.
In detail
A non-profit organisation (ASBLE), a public authority or a foundation wishing to launch a service aimed at day programmes for people with disabilities.
If you wish to launch accredited and subsidised care services for people with disabilities, you must submit an application for initial accreditation to AVIQ.
Notes:
Before submitting your application, we strongly recommend that you contact the Department for Disability Day Programmes and Accommodation Services (Direction Accueil Hébergement Handicap) to present your project and discuss it with them.
This sector is subject to a moratorium. This means that projects have very little chance of succeeding. Only certain exemptions may be granted. These exemptions do not fall within the remit of decisions taken by AVIQ.
The application may be submitted by post or electronically. Your chosen sending method must include proof of sending and of the date of sending.
The application must include several documents:
1. Information on the director of the service provider:
- Surname and first name.
- Certified copies of their diplomas.
- A recent criminal record extract (less than three months old) showing no criminal convictions or prison sentences incompatible with the position.
- A written delegation of powers from the governing body.
2. A fire safety certificate:
- A favourable report from a municipal or regional fire department certifying that all precautions have been taken to prevent fires. It must specify the capacity for day programme provision and the nature of the facilities.
- This document is not required for projects of independent living in private housing occupied by a maximum of six people (also known as ‘supervised housing services’ (services de logements supervisés).
3. Technical plans of the place where the programmes are provided:
- The existing and proposed site plans, layout plans, with floor plans for all levels and cross-sectional, elevation and façade views, including those of the existing buildings if modifications are planned.
- These plans allow for a clear understanding of the service provider’s facility layout and are consolidated in a master plan.
4. Service plan:
- A document describing the service’s objectives for the next six years.
- It must also contain the method of monitoring the beneficiaries’ individual projects.
- It must follow an official template (Annex 45/2) and include an objective-based agreement (see the ‘Find out more’ section).
5. Internal regulations: these must meet certain regulatory requirements.
6. Model agreement:
- This is a standard contract between the service provider and the person care receiving support.
- It must contain the elements listed in Annex 114/5.
7. Explanatory note concerning the target group:
- Type(s) of disability.
- Age and gender of the people concerned.
8. The company number of the service provider.
Details on the entire procedure are contained in the regulations in force.
The services are subsidised by AVIQ. People admitted to day programmes must make a financial contribution to their care, which is calculated based on their income.
AVIQ has 30 days following receipt of the application for initial accreditation to send the applicant an acknowledgement of receipt, provided that the file is complete. If the file is incomplete, AVIQ will inform the applicant and specify which missing documents need to be provided.
Once the file has been completed and re-submitted by the applicant, AVIQ has an additional 30 days to send an acknowledgement of receipt, provided that the file is complete this time. Otherwise, AVIQ will again specify what elements are missing.
Once the file is complete, AVIQ will review it and the Minister will make a decision within six months of receiving the complete accreditation application file.
- Subtitle 1 relating to Residential Services for Adults of the Walloon Regulatory Code for Social Action and Health, Part Two, Book V, Title XI
- Subtitle 3 relating to Residential Services for Young People of the Walloon Regulatory Code for Social Action and Health, Part Two, Book V, Title XI
- Subtitle 2 relating to Day Care Services of the Walloon Regulatory Code for Social Action and Health, Part Two, Book V, Title XI