The Chamber of People with Disabilities of Estonia (EPIKoda) is once again demanding explanations from the Ministry of Social Affairs regarding the reduction in the number of people with disabilities.
According to the Chamber, the share of people with disabilities in the country's population has decreased from 12% (155,500 people) in 2019 to 7.4% (101,000 people) at the beginning of the current year. Over the past year alone, the number of people with disabilities has decreased by 6,917. The organization emphasized that behind each figure, besides the individual, often stands their family.
EPIKoda has repeatedly reached out to the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Social Insurance Board; however, according to the organization, despite meetings and discussions, clear answers have not been received, and no concrete steps have followed.
In the Chamber's opinion, the reduction in the number of people with disabilities is puzzling, as at the same time, the number of people with health issues is increasing, and the population is aging. For example, mental disorders and lifestyle-related diseases are being diagnosed more frequently.
Additionally, EPIKoda draws attention to the change in the practice of determining the severity of disabilities and the insufficient justification of decisions, especially during repeated assessments. According to the organization, the number of inquiries related to such cases has not decreased.
EPIKoda estimates that this issue remains critically important, which is why an additional written appeal has been sent to the ministry.
