The 7th National Conference on Disability was held on Friday, September 4, in Bobigny, a town near Paris. At the event, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to launch a new national strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) by the end of the year. This strategy will focus on improving support for individuals affected by conditions such as autism. Macron has made disability a key priority since taking office in 2017, and he outlined 65 measures the government must implement by year's end. He emphasized the need for clear goals to help people with disabilities perform daily tasks independently, such as paying bills, crossing the street safely, and managing online procedures without assistance.
Serge Widawski, the general director of the APF France handicap association, called for a "Grenelle on home care" during the conference. A "Grenelle" refers to a major public debate or initiative, similar to the Grenelle environment meetings held in 2007. Widawski highlighted the critical importance of home care for people with disabilities and the elderly, stating that the current situation is "a real disaster." He noted that there is a severe shortage of workers in this field, which is both difficult and poorly paid, leading to a lack of available assistance.
Macron addressed the issue of home care during the conference, pledging to launch a priority project on the subject. He described it as a "fundamental issue" and "a dramatic issue in France," citing the challenges seen during the recent heatwave and the pandemic. These events underscored the urgent need for better support systems for vulnerable populations.
According to the latest official data, between 5.7 million and 18.2 million people aged five and over in France have a disability. These figures include a wide range of conditions, from functional limitations to severe medical conditions. The numbers highlight the significant portion of the population affected by disability and the need for comprehensive policies to support them.
France Launches New Strategy for Neurodevelopmental Disorders Amid Calls for Home Care Reforms
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