Question 4910 — people with disabilities

Summary

Ms. Lisette Pollet draws the attention of the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families, responsible for autonomy and disability, to the accessibility and autonomy of people with disabilities, in particular regarding the refusal of access to guide dogs and the insufficiency of financial support to beneficiaries. The law of February 11, 2005 established accessibility as a fundamental principle. and the autonomy of people with disabilities. However, in 2025, denial of access to guide and assistance dogs remains a worrying reality. More than 245 cases have been reported in one year, or nearly five per week. These illegal refusals in shops, hotels, restaurants or transport are not simple incidents, but direct attacks on the freedom of movement and the inclusion of visually impaired people. Today, these offenses are only considered as simple infractions, whereas they should be recognized as discrimination and punished as such in the penal code. Better enforcement of the law and increased awareness of establishments open to the public appear to be essential measures. Furthermore, the disability compensation benefit (PCH) - animal assistance, intended for covering the costs linked to the maintenance of a guide dog, has been capped at 50 euros per month since 2005. This sum is largely insufficient compared to real expenses (food, veterinary care, insurance, specific equipment) which exceed 130 euros per month. A revaluation of this aid and its indexation to the cost of living are necessary to guarantee adequate support for the people concerned. Finally, recognition of the essential role of guide dog foster families, who ensure their socialization and education before their handover to a master, also deserves to be strengthened. These volunteers play a key role in the proper functioning of the system and must benefit from real support. Also, she asks what measures the Government intends to take to sanction more severely refusals of access to guide dogs and guarantee their free access in all public and private places open to the public; revalue and index the PCH - animal aid in order to better cover the beneficiaries' costs; better support and recognize the commitment of guide dog foster families. She wishes to know the Government's intentions on these essential issues for the inclusion and autonomy of people with disabilities.

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