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Lithuania

A. UN Convention status

A1. Ratification or conclusion of the UN Convention

The Convention was signed on 30 March 2007. The Convention was ratified on 27 May 2010 when the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania adopted the Law on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol (No. XI-854 on 27 of May 2010).

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

A2. Ratification or accession to the Optional Protocol

The Protocol was signed on 30 of March 2007. The Protocol was ratified on 27 May 2010 when the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania adopted the law on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol (No. XI-854 on 27 May 2010) ratified the CRPD and its Optional Protocol.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

A3. Declarations, Reservations and Objections

The following Declaration was made: ‘… the Republic of Lithuania declares that the concept of ‘sexual and reproductive health’ used in Article 25(a) of the Convention shall not be interpreted to establish new human rights and create relevant international commitments of the Republic of Lithuania. The legal content of this concept does not include support, encouragement or promotion of pregnancy termination, sterilization and medical procedures of persons with disabilities, able to cause discrimination on the grounds of genetic features.’

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

A4. Comprehensive review

Before the Convention was ratified, the inter-institutional working group, consisting of representatives of concerned institutions, was established. This group analyzed the extent to which the CRPD conforms with local laws and international documents. NGO were also involved in this process. The analysis revealed that the majority of CRPD provisions are incorporated in the basis of Lithuanian law.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

A5. Focal point

The UNCRPD focal point for Lithuania is in the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, however, since a ruling in December 2010, specific focal points are also designated in ten government departments including: the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, the Department of Physical Culture and Sports under the Lithuanian Government and the Department of Statistics and the Committee for Information Society Development under the Ministry of Communication.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

A6. Coordination mechanism

The Ministry of Social Security and Labour is the main institution, which coordinates the implementation of the CRPD. The Department of the Affairs of the Disabled at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour is monitoring CRPD implementation.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

A7. Independent mechanism

The Council for Disability Affairs, including representation of disabled people’s organisations, is collaborating with the Ministry of Social Security and Labour in the CRPD implementation process. The role of the Council is to form opinion, review and make recommendations concerning areas for action. The Equal Opportunities Ombudsman is also designated as an independent mechanism, and deals with complaints of discrimination on grounds of disability as well as other grounds. The Ombudsman may also make recommendations to government. There is communication between the Council and Ombudsman within a common framework.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

A8. Official reporting

The initial report of the Republic of Lithuania on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was submitted to the UN in 2012 according to the planned schedule.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

A9. Shadow reporting

The Lithuanian Disability Forum (LDF) is the biggest umbrella organisation representing the rights of disabled people in Lithuania and is a leading voice among the Lithuanian organisations: together with the Lithuanian Deaf Association they provided alternative reports during the 15th Session of the UN Disability Rights Committee that took place between 29 March 2016 and 21 April 2016.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

B. General legal framework

B1. Anti-discrimination legislation

In Lithuania, complaints about discrimination are managed by the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman. According to the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman data, presented in its activity report, 260 complaints were received in 2016, 185 inquiries by e-mail and 94 inquiries via Facebook, and 68 inquiries were initiated by the Controller on possible discrimination. In 2016, the highest number of applications related to possible discrimination on the ground of gender (202, which is 31.5% of all applications). This was followed by 80 applications received related to disability discrimination, which is 12.4% of all applications.

The Action Plan for Promotion of Non-discrimination for 2017–2019 was approved by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour in 2017. The purpose of this Plan is to ensure the implementation of education measures regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunities, to raise legal consciousness, to increase mutual understanding and tolerance on the grounds of gender, race, nationality, language, origin, social status, faith, convictions or views, age, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity and religion, to raise public awareness of manifestations of discrimination in Lithuania and its negative impact on opportunities for certain groups of society to actively participate in public activities under equal conditions.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

B2. Recognition of legal capacity

On 1 January 2016 amendments to the Civil Code were introduced, which substantially changed the regulation of legal capacity, in order to bring th law closer to provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Article 2.10 of the Civil Code states that a person, who as a result of mental illness or behavioural disorder, is unable to understand the meaning of his/her actions or control them may be declared incapable in that area and placed under guardianship. Once under guardianship, the guardian may act on his/her behalf according to the rights and duties of the guardian which have been specified by law. The court refers in its judgment to the exhaustive list of areas in which a person may be declared incapable. The rights and duties of the guardian are laid down in the third book of the Civil Code.
The declaration of incapacity can be requested by the spouse, parents or adult children of the person with presumed incapacity or by a care provider institution or public prosecutor. This can be done by filing a request or applying to the court.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

B3. Accessibility of voting and elections

The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (1992) Article 33 stipulates the citizens’ right to participate in the governance of their State directly and through their democratically elected representatives as well as the right to enter the State service of the Republic of Lithuania on equal terms with others. Lithuanian citizens are also guaranteed the right of petition. The procedure for implementing this right has been legally established. Article 34 of the Constitution states that citizens who, on the day of election, have reached 18 years of age, shall have electoral rights. They have the right to vote in the elections of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, for the President of the Republic of Lithuania, the European Parliament and for municipal councils. The right to be elected is established by the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania and by election laws. On 14 April 2012, the amendment of Article 22(4) of the Law on Elections of the Republic of Lithuania to the Seimas (Official Gazette, No 59-1760, 2000) came into force, obliging the municipal institutions, which are responsible for adaptation of the premises of public use for special needs, to assess the adaptation and suitability of voting places according to the needs of voters with impaired mobility and/or vision and elderly voters.

On 26 November 2018, the Municipal Association, the Central Electoral Commission and the Lithuania Disability Forum signed a Memorandum to facilitate voting for disabled people. All signatories have committed to ensuring that as many electoral districts as possible are adapted for disabled people, and that they are duly informed of the elections. However, in 2018, 60% of electoral districts were not adapted for disabled people and seniors.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

B4. Official recognition of sign language

Lithuanian Sign Language (LGK) is the national sign language used in Lithuania, with several regional variants. Lithuanian sign language is recognised as an official language and at the moment a new action plan for 2013 – 2017 is confirmed by a Minister of Education.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

B5. National disability strategy and action plan

There are a number of strategic aims and objectives to improve the situation of disabled people in relevant policy areas in the Republic of Lithuania. However, not all of these are expressed as qualitative outcome goals, and they have not been quantified in parallel with the EU 2020 targets on employment, education and poverty reduction. The relevant documents are:

  • The National Programme for Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities 2013-2019, modified in 2015 with an Action Plan for 2016-2018. The Action Plan (Chapter II) does set out quantified evaluation criteria. These include, for example, targets for increased ‘satisfaction of the demand for social protection services (in percentage)’; ‘number of students with special needs who have received support for ensuring accessibility to education’; ‘number of disabled people with financial support in higher education institutions’, etc.;
  • The Action Plan for Transition from the Institutional Care to Service Provision in Family and Community for Persons with Disabilities and Children without Parental Care 2014-2020 (adopted in 2014);
  • The Action Plan for the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Committee of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) for 2016-2020, adopted by Decree (No A1 -596) of the Minister of Social Security and Labour on 9 November 2016;
  • The Housing Accommodation Programme for persons with disabilities (2016);
  • The Support Programme for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education by the Department of Disability affairs and The State Studies Foundation, project ‘Increase of Accessibility to Studies in Higher Education’.

In addition to the abovementioned, other strategic documents contain relevant policy objectives, but not quantifiable disability objectives, such as:

  • The Action Plan for Enhancing Social Inclusion 2014-2020;
  • The Lithuania’s Progress Strategy ‘Lithuania 2030’, National Progress Programme for 2014–2020 (both adopted in 2012), the Lithuanian innovation development programme 2014–2020.
  • The National Programme for Increasing Employment for 2014–2020 (adopted in 2013), National Education Strategy 2013–2022, National Reform Programme (NRP).

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

C. Accessibility

C1. Transport accessibility

Currently, the public transport system in Lithuania is not unified: each municipality has different possibilities and chances for changes. The municipalities are responsible for accessible public transport and the main tasks are revised in the City Strategic Plan. For example, in Vilnius (the capital of Lithuania, and the biggest city in the country) - the most positive changes in adapting public transport for disabled, but and problems more than in small cities. There are several most important achievements. First, the time of buses which are adapted to limited mobility persons are marked in the schedules in yellow. Second, there is special equipment in the buses which inform people about the present and the next bus stop (for people who have visual or hearing impairment). There are two types of help in Vilnius airport. First, disabled people, who come to Lithuania, are met by responsible person, who provide all necessary help and support: escort disabled people to State Border Guard Service post, assists with customs procedures (if it is necessary) as well as take the baggage. Moreover, the responsible person escorts disabled people to the car, taxi or bus stop (if disabled people want this). Second, disabled people, who leave Lithuania, is met by special person in call-out location, takes their baggage and takes care after all departure procedures: the registration of the passenger and baggage, movement in the airport as well as boarding to the aircraft. Rail Access Rules for the Movement of Disabled People (No. 1371/2007 of 23 October 2007) aims to ensure equality and non-discriminatory access for people with mobility and other disabilities - the age or any other reason - to travel by rail, with special attention to information that relates to rail services, with access to the trains and the amenities in them, reporting. Lithuanian Railways and Lithuanian Disability Forum (representing the interests of disabled people in Lithuania) participated in the development, coordination and approval process of these rules. In Vilnius city there are low-floor trolleybuses (45 vehicles) and buses (204 vehicles) for passengers with reduced mobility. The vehicles are marked with special labels. There is special button to call driver. Drivers are trained to assist people with reduced mobility. They are ready to help get in or out the vehicle. They open special ramp. In the Internet and bus stops: routes and departure times highlighted with special signs are served by low-floor vehicles accessible for people with disabilities (www.marsrutai.lt), but its inadequate for all special needs of disabled persons in Vilnius - better situation in the centre of the city only.

In each smaller town situation are different and it is related to people with disabilities activity individually and especially regional organisations of disabled, because the law is enough, but lack of political will sometimes.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

C2. Built environment accessibility

Buildings are not required to be accessible to disabled people in the Law of Equal Treatment (IX-1826 of 18 November 2003). Detailed standards for the accessibility of buildings are provided in the Technical Building Regulation requirements (Art.2.03.01:2000 of 19 March 2002). These requirements include the accessibility of cities, towns and villages' environment; footpaths; parking lots and garages; public and commercial buildings; residential buildings; sanitary facilities; elements of areas and buildings. Moreover, the size of the manoeuvring area before the door is provided. If it is necessary, the municipalities can add more special means for improving accessible environment for disabled people.

The Department for the Affairs of Disabled at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Council for the Affairs of Disabled at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour are cooperating with NGO's - more and more talking about universal design.

Positive example of our practice... DisabledEnabled (http://disabledenabled.eu/en/about/) - a unique type of people with disabilities and their associated society social network, designed to help the disabled to avoid the troubles encountered in the journey due to available disabilities and to help draw attention of institutions which are responsible for social integration. The idea came from the natural need to plan your route. Partial restrictions on free movement (disabled in the wheel chair, blind, deaf-and-dumb, mental disability) originating for various reasons (injury, nature, disease) compel to think about the need for a tool that let you toget know about access to where you want to be (a foreign tour, a trip tofamous places, museum,hotel, university, etc.). Such a toolwill allow people to avoid further in convenience and uncomfortable situations when you need to get to the right place, but this option simply was not provided.

Your city will be a place in the world with a unique and interactive system for the disabled spaces marked. For this example could follow cities all around the world, places, which planning to find a new client (theaters, cafes, famous tourist sites, ships, ferries, resorts …).

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

C3. ICT and Web accessibility

Inovations on ICT are very dynamic. We needful to understand that the most important step is growing of core (general) competences (knowledges of foreign languages and computer skills) of persons with disabilities for now. In national level we needful adapt more technique and application software, especially for people with any visual impairment (for example, Jaws for Windows, Dolphin SuperNova, etc.), for working with synthesizer. We have our new national synthesizer GINTARAS for now, and need to improve it.

The Law on Integration of Disabled into Society (I-2044 of 18 October 2005) prohibits discrimination against disabled people in any social life sphere and guarantees access to social services, information and social benefits. This law is directly related with eAccessibility whereas government institutions have to provide accessible e-communication for disabled people. 'The act foresees that the Information Society Development Committee will be responsible for the adoption of an information environment that is suitable to disabled people. A follow-on standard issued by the Information Society Development Committee established the technical requirements for websites, based on WAI. This standard foresees advisory (non-mandatory) requirements for adapting private websites, however, there is no legislative obligation on private websites. Also, as regards state and local government, a law on information reception from state and local government provides a requirement that they adapt the information supply environment (web pages, databases) for disabled people.

In 'The Social Report 2014-2014' (Vilnius, 2014) (http://www.socmin.lt/download/8233/en socialinis pranesimas 2013-2014 interactive-09-15.pdf) and in 'Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2014' (Vilnius, 2014, especially at the point 5.3.3. Digital Agenda for Europe, p. 60) (http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/csr2014/nrp2014_lithuania_en.pdf) we are preparing sufficient resources to implement the plans for few years.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

D. Independent living

D1. Choice of living arrangements

According to the Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania (VIII-1864 of 2000), a disabled person who has an intellectual impairment has no right to choose or change services which are provided to him/her. The need for services or institutional care is set according to the health conditions and the family’s potential to take care of the disabled person. The right to decide belongs to a trustee or a responsible institution, usually the residential institution. Generally, there are no concrete conditions for community-based social services or permanent care in institution. Everything depends on the person's impairment level and the family members' ability to care after their disabled relative. Under the UNCRPD, the main challenges for Lithuania are to ensure, that: disabled people have the opportunity to choose their place of residence, where and with whom they live on an equal basis with others, and are obliged to live in a particular living arrangement. This also includes access to a range of in-home, residential and other community support services, including personal assistance necessary to support living and inclusion in the community, and to prevent isolation or segregation from the community; as well as access to community services and facilities that are responsive to their needs on an equal basis to the general population.
"The Social Report 2016-2017" and "Lithuania: National Reform Programme 2018" are two important national documents with analysis of the current situation, and plans for the near future in what regards choice of living arrangement for people with disabilities.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

D2. De-institutionalisation

Order No. A1-83, A1-322, A1-523 of 14 February 2014 (the document is available in Lithuanian only) of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour approved the ‘Action Plan on Transition from Institutional Care to Family and Community-Based Services for People with Disabilities and Children Deprived of Parental Care for the period of 2014-2020’ . This Order entered into force on 1 November 2014. The Action Plan has an important objective to establish the transition of disabled persons and of children deprived of parental care from institutional care to care in the family and community-based services for the years 2014-2020. The responsible authority is the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, the Department of the Disabled.

Persons with disabilities and their representative organisations are not involved in planning the de-institutionalisation process (according to 2019 data). There is a lack of monitoring of the implementation of the de-institutionalisation process in Lithuania. However, Order No. A1-83 adopted on 14 February 2014 by the Minister of Social Security and Labour, states that the de-institutionalisation process must undergo through cooperation with representative organisations of persons with disabilities.

The number of people who are living in institutional care has remained almost the same from the beginning of de-institutionalisation until now. However, the number of institutions is changing. It is possible that the EU funds used for institutional care infrastructure development until 2015 have instead been used for renovating institutions so that the number of people who are living in institutional care remains almost the same.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

D3. Quality of social services

During 2017-2018 the Lithuania government tried to develop family and community-based services for children, disabled persons and their families, as well as prevention and assistance to socially excluded groups. In 2016-2017, the measures set in the Action Plan for the Reform of Institutional Care were implemented. The focus shifted to the prevention of problems arising in families at social risk and work with these families, seeking to coordinate social support, education, health care services, community and law enforcement assistance in municipalities, to develop the competences of the specialists who provide social services and to improve their working conditions. In 2016-2017, the provision of support to municipalities in establishing and developing the services of integral assistance at home continued, and non-governmental organisations (NGO) which provide assistance to persons at social risk were supported.

Seeking to create a consistent and coordinated system of assistance and services in the community in Lithuania, the Action Plan 2014-2020 on Transition from Institutional Care to Family and Community-Based Services for People with Disabilities and Children Deprived of Parental Care (the ‘Action Plan’) was approved in 2014. It stipulates consistent actions on the reform of institutional care. The Action Plan is supposed to help make a breakthrough in the reform of institutional care throughout the country. The measures of this Action Plan will be financed from the European Union (EU) structural support funds, while implementing the Operational Programme for EU Structural Funds Investments 2014-2020.

The Department for the Affairs of Disabled People at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, and the Council for the Affairs of Disabled People at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour are cooperating with NGOs for better quality of social service: the Lithuanian welfare society for people with intellectual disability 'Viltis'; the Association 'Lithuanian National Forum of the Disabled'; the Lithuanian Association of the Deaf; the Lithuanian Association of Families with Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children PAGAVA; the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee; the Lithuanian Multiple Sclerosis Union; the Lithuanian Association for Rehabilitation,; the Lithuanian Sport Federation for Disabled; the Lithuanian Sport Committee of the deaf; the Lithuanian blind sports federation; the Lithuanian arthritis association; The Lithuanian Welfare Society for People with Mental Illnesses; the Lithuanian Association of Integration for People with Epilepsy (LESIA); the Lithuanian Diabetes Association; the Association of disabled women of Lithuania; the Association of the physically disabled people of Lithuania; the Lithuanian Active rehabilitation association; the Lithuanian Association of Sport and Tourism for the Disabled; the Lithuanian Sport Federation for the Disabled; the Lithuanian organisation of people with intellectual impairments 'Giedra'; the Lithuanian Association of the Blind and visually impaired; and the Lithuanian Kidney Patients' Association GYVASTIS.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

D4. Provision of assistive devices at home

Technical assistance items are provided to citizens of the Republic of Lithuania including foreign nationals, stateless persons holding a permanent or temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania and other persons in cases provided for in international treaties of the Republic of Lithuania. Disabled people who want to receive this type of support have to apply to the municipality of their place of residence, bringing medical papers; a copy of an identity card; proof of address and a disabled identity card. Because of these requirements, disabled people cannot move from one part of the country to another, because it restricts their opportunities to get and repair technical assistance items. The Centre of Technical Aid For Disabled People Under Ministry Of Social Security And Labour (the Center is a budgetary institution established in 1992) provides disabled people with technical aids (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, anti-bedsore mattresses, sticks, loops, talking watches, canes for blind people etc.). The Lithuanian Association of the Blind and visually impaired and Lithuanian Association of the Deaf provide with visual and hearing aids. The aim of the Program of Dwelling and Environment Adjustment of the Disabled of 2006 – 2011 (Program 638 of 28 June 2006) is to develop the independence and social integration of disabled and older people by supporting their special needs and adjusting housing and the environment. These services are provided to ensure the most self-sufficiency possible of disabled and old people by, for example, widening the doors in a house, arranging ramps, adapting bathrooms, toilets and other environmental features.

The regional Centres of Technical Aid For Disabled People Under Ministry Of Social Security And Labour: in Vilnius, Telšiai, Šiauliai, Tauragė, Panevėžys, Klaipėda, Marijampolė, Alytus, Utena, Kaunas.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

D5. Availability of personal assistance schemes

Lithuania still does not have effective personal assistant social services. The Minister of Social Security and Labour by Order No. A1-83 as of 2014 approved the Action Plan that focuses only on social care institutions, completely leaving out the planned reform of the psychiatric hospitals and other medical facilities and/or systems.

The Lithuania government should create legal frameworks and budget allocations aimed at providing personal assistance and individualised support for personal assistance. The services of personal assistance should be legalized and implemented because their demand is high (for the time being, parents/relatives sacrifice themselves by limiting or losing personal career opportunities, which directly influences their level of income).

Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

D6. Income maintenance

Pensions for incapacity for work are paid to individuals who, on the day that their work incapacity level is established, have paid state social insurance for the minimum period to receive the pension for incapacity for work. This minimum compulsory period depends on the individual’s age. The work capacity level is not established for individuals, who have attained the age to receive an old-age pension, and they receive the old-age pension. If an individual has been granted and paid an incapacity for work (disability) pension until the day they attain the age for the old-age pension and the old-age pension is granted for the first time after 1 July 2005, the period during which the incapacity for work (disability) pension was paid is recognized as the state social insurance contributory period. Disabled people who study at university or other tertiary educational institutes get special financial support. This is provided to disabled students who have I or II level incapacity for work and severe or moderate disability. Each month they are paid an allowance equivalent to 50% of the basic state social pension for their special needs.

Individual income depends on the state of health: social benefits, working capacity (in percentage). State benefits are increasing, but slightly. All are encouraged to be active in the labor market, but the work reduction due to a worse level of welfare. State Social Insurance Fund Board of the Republic of Lithuania under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour controled this processes.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

D7. Additional costs

Disabled persons with impaired mobility are reimbursed for transport costs and the costs of acquisition and technical adaptation of special cars. This compensation is paid to disabled people who receive state pensions by the local State Social Insurance Fund Board (‘Sodra’) from the state budget. The need for the reimbursement of transport costs and costs of acquisition and technical adaptation of special cars is established and relevant certificates issued by: 1. The Disability and Working Capacity Assessment Office under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour – to persons under the age of retirement; 2. The Medical Advisory Commission of a health care institution where the person in question has been registered – to persons who have attained retirement age. Disabled people have the right to buy single-journey tickets for regular traveling long-distance buses, passenger tickets and single-journey or monthly personal tickets for local (city and suburban) scheduled buses, trolleybuses, trains, ships and ferries with an 80% discount as well as for one accompanying person (for people recognized as incapable of work [0-25%] and people eligible for old-age pensions with an established level of severe special needs as required by legislation). The current system of care and support provides support and services to disabled people living almost anywhere in the country. If necessary, local government social workers must provide all services for a disabled person. Special benefits are paid to families with disabled children for utility services, electricity and telephone.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

D8. Retirement income

Work capacity level is not established in individuals who have attained the age for an old-age pension, and they receive the old-age pension. If an individual has been granted the incapacity for work (disability) pension, and the old-age pension is granted for the first time after 1 July 2005, the period, during which the incapacity for work (disability) pension was paid, is recognised as the state social insurance contributory period. The period of pension insurance is the time during which compulsory contributions of the required amount are paid by the individuals themselves or on their behalf. The old-age pension is composed of two amounts: a basic amount and an additional amount. The basic amount is equal to the basic state social pension and is the same for all individuals who have completed the compulsory contributory period for state social insurance pensions (the amount is reduced proportionally for those who have not completed it). The compulsory period of pension insurance for a full old-age pension is 30 years. The basic pension may not be lower than 110% of the minimum subsistence rate. The minimum monthly wage is EUR 430 (as of 1 January 2019). The average old-age pension per month is EUR 344,16 (as of February 2019). The state social insurance basic pension is EUR 164,59 (as of 1 January 2019). State-supported income is EUR 122 (as of 1 January 2019). The level of pension for a person with disability depends on their capacity for work, their work experience and the monthly income that they had previously:
a) for parents of disabled children, severe disability is established – equal to two basic state social insurance pensions (hereinafter referred to as a ‘basic pension – EUR 164,59’); moderate disability – equal to 1.5 basic pensions; and mild disability – equal to one basic pension.
b) A person’s level of capacity for work and the reason behind it, the time of occurrence, the time limit and the percentage of the person’s lost capacity for work are established by the Office for Establishing Disability and Capacity for Work under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. For persons who have lost 75-100% of their capacity for work and who have the obligatory state social pension insurance record for the work incapacity pension, the basic part of the work incapacity pension shall be equal to 150% of the basic state social insurance pension and, for persons who have lost 60-70% of their capacity for work, it shall be 110% of the basic state social insurance pension (hereinafter referred to as a ‘basic pension – EUR 108’). Where a person’s insurance record is shorter than the obligatory insurance record, the basic part of his/her work incapacity pension shall be calculated by multiplying 150% of the basic state social insurance pension for persons who have lost 75-100% of their capacity for work or 110% of the basic state social insurance pension for persons who have lost 60-70% of their capacity for work by the insurance record acquired by them and then dividing by the obligatory insurance record.
c) Persons who have attained pensionable age or who have been recognised as persons with work incapacity or partial work incapacity who have lost 60 % or more of their capacity for work (who before 1 July 2005 were recognised as persons with a group I or II disability), those who have lost 75-100% of their capacity for work (who were recognised as persons with a group I disability prior to 1 July 2005) – equal to one basic pension; for those who have attained pensionable age or who have lost 60-70% of their capacity for work (who were recognised as persons with a group II disability prior to 1 July 2005) – equal to 90% of the basic pension.

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

E. Education

E1. Special schools

Special schools are operating in special institutions for children and youth with disabilities (and therefore are segregated). In some part of mainstream schools special classes exist, which try to implement inclusive education model but it is still 'a segregated model'. Special education for children and youth with disabilities from 7 under 21 years old is available at all 'formal' education institutions (primary, basic, secondary education, vocational education and training, and higher education), 'non-formal' education (pre-school, pre-primary, other non-formal education of children and of adults, as well as teaching supplementing the formal education; and educational assistance (vocational guidance, informational, psychological, socio-pedagogical, special pedagogical and special assistance of education, healthcare at school, consultation, in-service training of teachers and other assistance). Children and youth with Special Educational Needs are evaluated by Pedagogical Psychological Services of the municipalities that recommend a school for the child (Law XI-1281 of 17 March 2011 - Articles 34 and 35). The Centres of Special Education for children and youth with severe or profound mental disabilities are established not only for education (individualised, differentiated), but for employment. In plans, all education of children and youth with disabilities is planned to be provided in inclusive schools.

On 27 June 2017, the Minister of Education and Science adopted Order No. V-527 on ‘Children inclusive learning and approval of the Action Plan on the Inclusion of Children in Education and Multidimensional Education 2017-2022’. The plan specifically aims to reduce the number of children in special schools from 0.8% of all children in education in 2017 to 0.6-0.5% in 2020-2022. The representative of the Ministry of Education and Science in a roundtable discussion on 17 July 2017, in which also participated DPOs and education specialists, mentioned that children with disabilities are in favour of the 2016 approved a concept of the ‘Good School’, which is currently developing a list of necessary skills that school teachers need to develop in order to increase the quality of inclusive education.

However, the Law on Education does not preclude schools from refusing children with disabilities. According to a report by the National Audit Office, there has been no improvement with regards to inclusive education from 2013 to 2019. The number of children with special needs increased from 35,038 (in 2013-2014) to 35,711 (in 2018-2019), while the number of children with disabilities in special education schools rose from 3,597 (2013-2014) to 3,686 (2018-2019), and the number of special education schools remained the same: 48 (in 2013-2014) and 47 (in 2017-2018).

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Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

E2. Mainstream schools

Special and social education and speech therapy are included to all institutions of formal education: primary, basic, secondary education for children and youth from seven under 21 years old. Children and youth with special educational needs, which have been evaluated by Pedagogical Psychological Services of municipality (Law XI-1281 of 17 March 2011). If needed, the mainstream schools can contract psychologists, health educators, kinesis-therapists, etc. (Article 14 ‘Education of learners with special educational needs’). The purpose of educating learners with special educational needs is to help a learner to learn and to be trained according to his/her abilities, to attain an education level and acquire a qualification, by recognising and developing his/her abilities and capacities. The education of learners with special educational needs shall be organised in accordance with the procedures laid down by the Minister of Education and Science. The groups of learners with special educational needs shall be identified and their special educational needs shall be divided into minor, moderate, major and severe according to the procedure established by the Minister of Education and Science, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Social Security and Labour. The initial assessment of learners' special educational needs shall be conducted by a Child Welfare Commission. The child’s special educational needs (except those occurring because of exceptional talents) shall be evaluated by a pedagogical psychological service encompassing pedagogical, psychological, medical and socio-pedagogical aspects; special education shall be assigned by the head of a pedagogical psychological service and in certain cases – by the school principal with the consent of the parents (guardians, curators) in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Minister of Education and Science. Learners with special educational needs may complete formal education programmes within a period of time shorter or longer than the period of time set for such programmes; they may study at intervals, complete study programmes by way of separate modules. Learners with major and severe special educational needs may study in general education schools (classes) designated for learners with special educational needs until 21 years of age. The education of learners with special educational needs shall be implemented by all schools that provide compulsory and universally available education, other education providers and, in certain cases, by schools (classes) designated for education of learners with special educational needs (Law XI-1281 of 17 March 2011, Articles 19 – 23; Article 34).

Upon the request of the parents (guardians or curators) of a learner with special needs, conditions shall be created for a child to study at a mainstream school located closer to his home or at any state, municipal (regional) school designated for learners with special educational needs. The pedagogical-psychological service shall recommend a school for the child (Article 34 ‘Accessibility of Education to Persons with Limited Mobility’). Those children who are unable to attend a mainstream school due to an illness or a pathological condition shall be provided the opportunity to study at an in patient health care institution, to study at home, to study independently and to pass examinations. The procedure for organising teaching of pupils at inpatient healthcare institutions and at home shall be regulated by the Minister of Education and Science, after consultation with the Minister of Health (Law XI-1281, Chapter 3, Article 35).

The Special Education Centres, which are established for children and youth with severe, or profound mental disabilities, provide not only individualised education , but prepare them for future employment. In theory - all education of children and youth with disabilities is planned to be provided in inclusive school.

On 19 December 2017, the Parliament adopted the amendment to the Law on Education that came into force on 1 February 2018. It provides for the possibility to start early childhood education (from 5 years old) from September 2018 and, accordingly, primary education (from 6 years old).

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E3. Sign language and Braille in school

Free services by teacher assistant, reader, guide and sign language interpreter shall be rendered to persons with special needs at educational institutions according to the procedure established by the Government or an institution authorised by it (Law XI-1281 of 17 March, 2011). In each region of Lithuania we can find visual centers for pre-school education. Formal education (all stages) in Vilnius and Kaunas only.

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E4. Vocational training

The majority of pupils with special educational needs are educated at mainstream education schools together with their peers through inclusive education. General education, vocational education and training, and other programmes are adapted to pupils with special educational needs. These pupils may complete education programmes within a shorter or longer time than that prescribed. Pupils with very extensive or extensive special educational needs can study at designated general education schools up to 21 years of age. Upon finishing school, a person with special educational needs has a possibility to ‘acquire a profession’ at: vocational schools, vocational consulting centres and courses; centers of special education of vocational training designed for persons with special educational needs; college-level schools; and universities.

Law XI-1281 of 17 March 2011 on Vocational education and training in Article 12 (Chapter 2) provides that "the purpose of vocational education and training shall be to assist a person in the acquisition, change or upgrading of qualification and preparation for participation in the labour market. Primary vocational education and training shall be formal, universally available and intended for the acquisition of the first qualification. It shall be provided to learners who have acquired basic or secondary education. Initial vocational education and training may also be provided to students who have not acquired basic education and are at least 14 years of age. A learner who has not acquired the basic education shall be provided with the conditions to continue education according to the basic education curriculum. In separate cases, set out in the list, approved by the order of the Minister of Education and Science, of general criteria for admission to a state and a municipal general education school, vocational training school, vocational education and training may be provided to learners with special educational needs even without a required education level."
Law on Vocational Education of 14 October 1997 (amended on 5 June 2014), in Article 16 on 'Vocational education of persons with special needs', provides that “persons with special needs shall be provided in compliance with the procedure laid down by legal acts with the conditions to study according to vocational training programmes and to acquire a qualification. Persons who completed special training programmes may get education together with other students according to vocational training programmes adapted to them. Institutions authorised by the Government may order at vocational training establishments the vocational training programmes for persons with special needs."

Vocational rehabilitation training is defined in the Law on Social Integration of Disabled Persons (Act 9, in Lithuanian), which also affirms that all disabled people have an equal right to education as other citizens. Persons with special needs, who have completed secondary education are admitted to Level III vocational training curricula, for which they have enough knowledge and skills, acquired during adapted secondary education curricula. The vocational rehabilitation system in Lithuania may be described briefly as follows: the need of a disabled person for vocational rehabilitation services is identified by the Disability and Working Capacity Identification Service, then an individual vocational rehabilitation plan can be made in the Territorial Labour Exchange Office, and the vocational rehabilitation programme can be realised in the institution providing vocational rehabilitation services. Having implemented a vocational rehabilitation programme in disability and working capacity identification service the person’s level of working capacity is identified.

The provision of vocational training, combined with supported employment measures and social enterprises remains the main active labour market policy measure. Such system generates large amount of money, as people who participate in the vocational rehabilitation programme are offered various services and are provided with ‘greenhouse conditions’ during their participation.
In 2016, vocational rehabilitation services were provided by 12 vocational rehabilitation centres according to the nature of impairment/disability. Persons with disabilities chose 120 different vocational training programmes. In 2016, 778 persons participated in the Vocational Rehabilitation Programme and 597 disabled persons completed it. As compared with 2015, the number of persons who took part in the Vocational Rehabilitation Programme increased by 9%, and the number of persons who completed it increased by 37%. In 2016, the employment rate within six months after completion of the Vocational Rehabilitation Programme was 67.85%, which marks an increase by 16%, as compared with 2015.

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E5. Higher education

Students with disabilities have equal rights to attend higher education institutions. In the presence of other conditions of equal admission, students with special needs shall be admitted to colleges and universities on the 'basis of precedence' or priority. Higher education institutions may establish additional conditions and procedures for admission of students with special needs. Moreover, colleges and universities shall create conditions to people with special needs to enable them to acquire an education and a profession, keeping with their abilities (Law XI-1281 of 17 March 2011, Article 13). The purpose of higher education studies is to assist a student with disability in the acquisition of a higher education qualification corresponding to a modern level of knowledge and technologies as well as in the preparation for an active professional, social and cultural life. Students can receive financial or technical support. Students with disabilities can get financial aid for studies - 520 litas/month (about EUR 150). Special assistants, for example, translators for deaf students or assisting for people with motor disorders are legitimate in colleges and universities. Universities can provide Sign Languages interpreters but it is not common.

Pursuant to the recommendations of the Procedure for Provision of Financial Aids to Disabled Students at Higher Education Institutions, approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, students with severe or moderate disabilities or with a capacity for work rated 45% or lower, and who study at non-university, first or second cycle or university integrated study programmes and have no debts and have no administrative sanctions imposed on them, may receive financial assistance (Resolution No. 117-5021 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 29 August 2006 'On Procedures for Provision of Financial Aids to Disabled Students of Higher Education Institutions' (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2006, No 93-3655).

In 2017, financial support was provided to 826 disabled students studying in 36 universities, of whom 752 were disabled students of public universities and 74 disabled students of private universities. Benefits were paid to 826 disabled students to meet their special needs, and to 377 disabled students for partial reimbursement of study expenses.

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F. Employment

F1. Non-discrimination in employment

We haven't concrete national law, which would be oriented to non-discrimination in employment only, though general indications are provided in the Law on Support for Employment (No X-694 - actual editing 10 July 2014, in lithuanian only); Law on Equal Treatment (IX-1826, 2003), Law on Social Integration of Disabled People (IX-2228, 2004) provides that employers have to 'take appropriate measures to provide conditions for the disabled to obtain work, to work, to a career or to study, provided that the duties of the employer would not be disproportionately burdened as a result'. The main objective of the Law on Social Integration of Disabled People (IX-2228, 2004) is to ensure disabled people’s equal rights and opportunities in society, to determine preconditions and conditions of the social integration system, responsible institutions, incapacity to work levels, professional rehabilitation services, and special needs. This law pays particular attention to professional rehabilitation. Professional rehabilitation is defined as rehabilitation or improvement of an individual's capacity for work, professional competence and ability to participate in the labour market by using educational, social, psychological, rehabilitation and other measures.

The Law on Education (No XI-1281, 2011) is oriented to non-discrimination in employment: free educational assistance (vocational guidance, informational, psychological, socio-pedagogical, special pedagogical and special assistance of education, healthcare at school, consultation, in-service training of teachers and other assistance) in educational system (Chapter 2, Article 6); in separate cases, set out in the list, approved by the order of the Minister of Education and Science, of general criteria for admission to a state and a municipal general education school, vocational training school, vocational education and training may be provided to learners with special educational needs even without a required education level (Chapter 2, Article 12).

Law on Vocational Education (No VIII-450 - actual editing 20 June 2014, in lithuanian only) is oriented to non-discrimination in vocational education system: primary vocational education is guaranted for people who have studied according to special training programmes (Chapter 2, Article 6, no.3)

In the Law on Support for Employment (No X-694 - actual editing 10 July 2014, in lithuanian only) at Article 4. Persons Additionally Supported in the Labour Market are included all disabled groups, but its new editing of the Law, and not so good posibilities of disabled people in practice for now.

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F2. Public employment services

The Law on Support for Employment (No X-694 amended 10 July 2014, in Lithuanian only) encompasses the monitoring of the labour market, the provision of general services of support (information, consultations, mediation, individual activity planning), active labour market policy (supportive employment, rotation of work, support to create new workplaces, education of unemployed). Article 5 ‘Institutions Implementing the Employment Support Policy and Social Partners’ provides that “the employment support policy shall be implemented by: 1) the Government; 2) the Ministry of Social Security and Labour and other ministries; 3) other state institutions and agencies; 4) municipal institutions and agencies; and 5) other legal entities and persons." The Lithuanian Labour Exchange (at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour) and its local labour exchange offices, as well as the Lithuanian Labour Market Training Authority and its territorial labour market training and counselling offices, Youth Job Centres, are the most important institutions that guarantee the quality of employment services. These organisations also provide state aid to social enterprises in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Republic of Lithuania Law on Social Enterprises and legal acts regulating its implementation; organise and coordinate the provision of vocational rehabilitation services in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Republic of Lithuania Law on Social Integration of the Disabled Persons; and participate in the development of vocational rehabilitation programmes for disabled persons (Law on Support for Employment No X-694, Chapter 2, Article 8). Other legal entities and persons (and also branches of enterprises and organisations, which were founded in the states that have signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area, in the Republic of Lithuania) may provide general employment support services and submit proposals to institutions implementing the employment support policy (Chapter 2, Article 10). The Law on Vocational Education No. VIII-450, amended on 20 June 2014 (in Lithuanian only) provides that “vocational guidance shall be carried out in schools of general education, vocational training establishments, and centres for vocational guidance."

During 2017-2018, the Committee on Social Affairs and Labour in Lithuania Parliament ‘Seimas’ discussed how to reform the disability employment system but no major changes have been taken yet. One of proposals suggests integrating a so-called ‘basket’ principle. An analogue of such system could be found in the Lithuania education system. The main idea of a ‘basket’ system is that a person with disabilities is awarded some amount of money to be paid for his employer towards the costs of giving him/her a job (i.e. as a portable financial hiring incentive or subsidy). It is considered that this idea might have some impact on the attractiveness of disabled jobseekers in the market but would need to be combined with other supportive measures, as well as with improvements in accessibility.

The employment programmes for persons with disabilities in Lithuania have significant shortcomings. Some legal provisions in the Lithuanian legislation continue to discriminate against persons with disabilities. Vocational rehabilitation is not accessible to all people with disabilities. Of all the participants in vocational rehabilitation, people who are deaf or hard of hearing comprise only 1% and people with visual and intellectual impairments comprise as little as 2%. Some groups of people with disabilities, such as people with intellectual disabilities, find it impossible to participate in such programmes since no mechanism is in place for putting the recruitment and employment of persons with disabilities into practice.

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F3. Workplace adaptations

Under the Law on Social Integration of Disabled People (IX-2228 of 2004) and Law on Support for Employment (X-694 of 2006, actual editing 10 July 2014, in lithuanian only) provide the support for adaptation of the work place, and employer can receive the financial support:

- subsidies to establish the size of one job to set up may not exceed 40 approved by the Government of the minimum monthly salary amounts (for all, not only for disabled); employers must pay at least 35 percent for adaptation of working place (for each employee with a disability who have severe level of disability or exceeding 25 percent efficiency for work -> 20 percent minus; for a disabled employee to whom the medium level of disability or 30-40 percent efficiency for work (medium disability rate) -> 30 percent minus) jobs set up (adapt) the expenditure required to set up and (adapted) job place to keep at least 36 months for persons, which were sended from territorial labour exchange offices (Article 29. Support for Job Creation);

- subsidies and support for the creation of a workplace shall be provided in accordance with the conditions and procedure specified in Article 29 to the disabled who are starting their business to cover at least 35% of the expenses related to the creation (adaptation) of workplaces (Article 32. Support for self-employment),

- subsidies and support for very small companies (micro-enterprises) or when they begin to self-employment with a business license.

In the Law on Support for Employment (X-694, 2006, actual editing 10 July 2014, in lithuanian only) existing posibilities to get grants (special money) from Employment Support Programmes with priority for adaptation of working places for disabled (Article 34). Addition: support and/or subsidies for voluntary practice (for example, in assist for disabled) (from 2015-01-01).

The Law of Social Enterprise (XI-1771, 01 December, 2011) (in lithuanian only). Key-words: unemployed, community aid, labor, job creation, a disabled employee assistance arrangements, social integration, social policy, social layer (stratum), right of establishment, employment policy, state aid, state aid control, the older worker. The aim of Social Enterprises - the recruitment of this Act referred to specific groups of occupationally and overall efficiency, economically inactive, unable to compete on equal terms in the labor market, to encourage the return to the labor market, social inclusion and reduce social exclusion (Chapter 1, Article 2). Social enterprise of people with disabilities - workers belonging to the target group of the disabled, of not less than 50 percent of the annual average number of employees. Persons with disabilities who have severe or moderate level of disability or exceeding 40 percent efficiency for work, or large/moderate special needs of not less than 40 percent of the annual average number of employees and specified target group of persons belonging to the number of employees is less than four. The annual average number of employees includes employees with disabilities who work at least 80 hours per month (Chapter 1, Article 3). Persons employed in social enterprises of the target group (one of them): (...) disabled people with severe, moderate or mild level of disability, or disabled persons determined not exceeding 55 percent efficiency for work or large/medium/low level of special needs (SEN). Seeking employment in social enterprises, labor exchange is not required to register, but they must provide a certificate to the employer of the disabled level (particularity)(...) (Chapter 1, Article 4). State aid for the social enterprise types: (...) subsidy for disabled workers jobs, set up or adjust their work equipment or adapt; subsidy for disabled workers in the working environment, industrial and recreational facilities to adapt; subsidy assistant (sign language interpreter) costs (...) (Chapter 4, Article 13).

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F4. Financial incentives

The Law on Social Integration of Disabled People (IX-2228, 2004) and the Law on Support for Employment (X-694 of 2006, amended 10 July 2014) provide for support in adaptation of the work place, and employers can receive the financial support:

- subsidies to establish the size of one job to set up may not exceed 40 approved by the Government of the minimum monthly salary amounts (for all, not only for disabled); employers must pay at least 35 percent for adaptation of working place (for each employee with a disability who have severe level of disability or exceeding 25 percent efficiency for work -> 20 percent minus; for a disabled employee to whom the medium level of disability or 30-40 percent  efficiency for work (medium disability rate) -> 30 percent minus) jobs set up (adapt) the expenditure required to set up and (adapted) job place to keep at least 36 months for persons, which were sended from territorial labour exchange offices (Article 29. Support for Job Creation);

- subsidies and support for the creation of a workplace shall be provided in accordance with the conditions and procedure specified in Article 29 to the disabled who are starting their business to cover at least 35% of the expenses related to the creation (adaptation) of workplaces (Article 32. Support for self-employment);

- subsidies and support for very small companies (micro-enterprises) or when they begin to self-employment with a business license.

The Law of Social Enterprise (XI-1771, 01 December, 2011) (in lithuanian only). Subsidy on wages and social insurance contributions. Subsidy is calculated as a percentage of each social enterprise working in the target group of persons belonging to an employee of the month, for all kinds of salary, but within the two-month force approved by the Government of the minimum monthly salary, and the salary of the insurer to calculate the mandatory state social insurance premiums. For each worker, who have a severe disability been determined not exceeding 25 percent efficiency for work or large special needs, paid compensation amounting to 75 percent amount (sum) from last sentence. For each worker, who havethe medium level of disability or 30-40 percent efficiency for work (medium disability rate) paid compensation amounting to 70 percent amount (sum). For each worker, who have mild level of disability or 45-55 percent efficiency for work (mild disability rate) paid compensation amounting to 60 percent amount (sum) (Chapter 4, Article 14). Subsidy for disabled workers jobs, set up or adjust their work equipment or adapt. 80 / 70 / 65 percent amount (sum) according to the level of disability (Chapter 4, Article 15). Subsidy to the target groups belonging to the training of staff. For example for social workers, assistants, teachers, etc. (Chapter 4, Article 16). Subsidy for disabled employees working environment, industrial and recreational facilities to adapt. To compensate costs for the social enterprise, for the obstacles generated by the disabled employee disability and hinder employee access to the workplace or enterprise existing recreation facilities, and to remove a subsidy for disabled employees working environment, industrial and recreational facilities to adapt (80 or 70 percent amount (sum) according to the level of disability) (Chapter 4, Article 17). Subsidy additional administrative and transport costs. If the disabled social enterprise organizes its work of disabled workers with severe or moderate level of disability, or disabled workers who set not exceeding 40 percent efficiency for or a severe or moderate special needs, transportation to and from work, as well as the disabled workers to work at home necessary materials, components, products, and other measures to the carriage house and home, this company could be granted for the transport of fuel costs (Chapter 4, Article 18). Subsidy assistant (sign language interpreter) costs.  If severe or moderate level of disability (hearing or complex disorders) with disabled workers who are determined not exceeding 40 percent efficiency for work or a severe or moderate special needs, job functions need an assistant (sign language interpreter) help people with disabilities to social enterprise on subsidy assistant (sign language interpreter) costs - 40 or 20 percent amount (sum) according to the level of disability) (Chapter 4, Article 19). Funds to support social enterprises. The Law of Social Enterprise (corporate, company) does not receive grants rights to other laws or legislation on the state or from the European Union, in line with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Article 107 of the criteria set out in. Funds to support social enterprises - state aid to support social enterprises allocated from the state budget (Chapter 4, Articles 22, 23).

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G. Statistics and data collection

G1. Official research

Special Education Research Centre at Siauliai University studies various spheres of education of disabled people, ways of meeting and assessing their educational, psychological, and social needs, also speech therapy as well as social integration areas. Academic research is also carried out by the Institute for Social Research and by the Institute of Labour and Social Research. Both are public research institutions. The Special Education Research Centre publishes the academic journal ’Special Education‘ for researchers and practitioners concerned with education and social participation of persons with disabilities. Vytautas Magnus University Faculty of Social Welfare publishes the journal ’Social Work: Experience and Methods‘. Mykolas Romeris University publishes the journal ’Social Work‘. Some of the journals’ issues are focused on disability affairs.

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G2. Census data

In Lithuania, the Population and Housing Census is carried out every ten year. The census specify the number of residents and reveal the extent of actual emigration of Lithuanian residents over the last ten years. In 2011 the Population and Housing Census was carried out as well. The main attention was paid to: demographic data; household type and data; ethno-cultural data; education; religion; employment; sources of livelihood

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G3. Labour Force Survey

Statistical data about disabled people in Labour Market in Lithuania is limited. The main information is collected by the Department of Statistics and the Lithuanian Labour Exchange. The main attention in such surveys is paid to the connection between the integration into Labour market and the following features: disability level, districts, ways how they were employed, age (children and adults). Administrative data is based on formal criteria (three levels of work capacity). Data is available on the number of disable people unemployed and employed disabled people, the number of institutions providing professional rehabilitation services, and the number of people, who finished professional rehabilitation programs. There is a national Labour Force Survey but attention to disabled people is limited.

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G4. Disability equality indicators

We do not yet have information for this item

Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

H. Awareness and external action

H1. Awareness raising programs

Lithuanian Government of 2011 November 2nd, accepted resolution (No. 1281) ‘Inter-institutional action plan for Non-discrimination during 2012-2014’. The work plan’s aim is to ensure the promotion of educational function for equal opportunities, legal awareness, understanding and tolerance of gender, race, nationality, language, origin, social status, religion, belief or opinion, age, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin, religion. Also, it is planned to inform society about discrimination issues in Lithuania and its negative impact on certain groups in society.

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H2. Training for teachers

Every student who attempts to become a primary grade or subject teacher should study a compulsory course in special needs education, but no official document exists on this provision and not all higher education institutions comply. Usually, these courses are found in programs for primary grade teachers and social pedagogue training. For example in Siauliai University, Vytautas Magnus University, Klaipeda University and Vilnius Pedagogical university, students of such programs as social pedagogy, social work, health education have some courses related with disability: Social work with children having special needs, Social educational work with disabled persons, Social inequality and segregation etc. Alternatively, students take a pedagogical practice in different institutions where disabled persons are educated or treated. From 2012, the State Studies Foundation (VSF) started to implement a new project, funded by European Union Structural funds, to prepare educators to work with students with various impairments. Almost all of high schools in Lithuanina are participating. The programme consists of 6 modules, 2 ECTS, 54 houres. At the moment 4 modules are finished, next will be in 2014.

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H3. Training for lawyers

There are no special professional training programs for lawyers in the disability field.

Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

H4. Training for doctors

The Carers' Qualification and Specialization Center organise refresher courses, seminars, conferences for carers, doctors and medical staff (anyone can take part in their organised activities). In 2012, implementation of the Integral Development Assistance Programme financed from the funds of the European Social Fund aimed at high quality integral assistance (nursing and social services) for disabled persons, elderly people and consultancy support for family members taking care of such persons was commenced. During the period of 2013–2015, 21 municipalities will implement pilot projects. The pilot projects aim at recruiting and training specialists of mobile groups, include health care specialists into the social assistance process, provide mobile groups with vehicles, provide consultancy services to family members taking care of disabled or elderly close relatives, and promote informal assistance. The amount of LTL 20.7 million is to be allocated for the programme. (Order No A1-353 of the Minister of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania of 20 July 2012 “On the Approval of the Integral Assistance Development Programme” (Official Gazette Valstybės žinios, 2012, No 89-4663).

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H5. Training for engineers

There are no special professional training programs for engineers in disability field.

Update date: Fri, 2019-05-31

H6. International development aid

We do not yet have information on this item.

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