which the client can be self-reliant or can participate and stay in their home environment for as long as possible, or to fulfilling the need for sheltered accommodation or care'. The exploration also assesses the element of 'one’s own capacity', in other words can the person independently reduce or eradicate limitations which they experience, using the usual sources of support, volunteer care or other people in their social networks, or by using general provisions. People who need this can rely on independent client support, free of charge. The object is to support the client with information and advice on the application process and the acquisition of a suitable provision. The law guarantees the right to make one’s own choice for the desired support. Subject to certain conditions people can purchase the required care themselves using a so-called 'personal healthcare budget'. People with disabilities can use this to retain (more) control of their lives and select healthcare providers who can provide support in the desired way and at the desired times. However, this right is subject to certain conditions: the person must actually be able to take control, such as being able to make working agreements with the care provider(s) and keep records. The budget is not paid directly into the client's account, but is paid out to the healthcare provider by an implementing body which is supervised by the national government. III Specific provisions of the Convention Article 5: Equality and non-discrimination Legislative safeguards Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution states: 'All persons in the Netherlands shall be treated equally in equal circumstances. Discrimination on the grounds of religion, belief, political opinion, race or sex or on any other grounds whatsoever shall not be permitted.' The current government's coalition agreement states that this article will be supplemented with the grounds of sexual orientation and disability. A bill to this effect has already been submitted to Parliament. The Act on Equal Treatment on the Grounds of Disability or Chronic Illness provides additional substance to the equal treatment standard laid down in Article 1 of the Constitution where it concerns the ground of disability or chronic illness.
which the client can be self-reliant or can participate and stay in their home environment for as long as possible, or to fulfilling the need for sheltered accommodation or care'. The exploration also assesses the element of 'one’s own capacity', in other words can the person independently reduce or eradicate limitations which they experience, using the usual sources of support, volunteer care or other people in their social networks, or by using general provisions. People who need this can rely on independent client support, free of charge. The object is to support the client with information and advice on the application process and the acquisition of a suitable provision. The law guarantees the right to make one’s own choice for the desired support. Subject to certain conditions people can purchase the required care themselves using a so-called 'personal healthcare budget'. People with disabilities can use this to retain (more) control of their lives and select healthcare providers who can provide support in the desired way and at the desired times. However, this right is subject to certain conditions: the person must actually be able to take control, such as being able to make working agreements with the care provider(s) and keep records. The budget is not paid directly into the client's account, but is paid out to the healthcare provider by an implementing body which is supervised by the national government. III Specific provisions of the Convention Article 5: Equality and non-discrimination Legislative safeguards Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution states: 'All persons in the Netherlands shall be treated equally in equal circumstances. Discrimination on the grounds of religion, belief, political opinion, race or sex or on any other grounds whatsoever shall not be permitted.' The current government's coalition agreement states that this article will be supplemented with the grounds of sexual orientation and disability. A bill to this effect has already been submitted to Parliament. The Act on Equal Treatment on the Grounds of Disability or Chronic Illness provides additional substance to the equal treatment standard laid down in Article 1 of the Constitution where it concerns the ground of disability or chronic illness.
CRPD_C_NLD_1_8339_E.docx