Information provision messages

Providing information on support services for persons living with disability and their families is key since allows them to benefit from their rights and from the available services. 

Inform applicants on the below.

• What disability means and provide them with real-life examples. Support them in understanding they might be entitled to special reception conditions, and provide examples (see below). 
• The accessibility within the reception facility, including facilities such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, accessible bathrooms, and adapted dormitories, ensuring easy use for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, inform applicants on the accessibility of adapted transportation to/from the reception facility. 
• Their rights, entitlements/benefits and available services under national laws and reception regulations, including access to social benefits, financial assistance, and employment opportunities. Additionally, provide instructions on how to access these services directly or through referrals, along with contact information for service providers.
• Community resources and NGOs that provide dedicated support, advocacy, social activities, and peer support groups for applicants with disabilities. 
• Available support services such as personal assistance, transportation assistance, interpreters, and sign language interpreters, text readers etc. to facilitate daily living activities and access to specialised services. 
• Protection against discrimination based on disability, how to report incidents and seek support.
• Safety and security measures, including emergency preparedness and first aid protocols tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, such as those with visual, auditory, cognition or mobility impairments.

Additionally, offer guidance to individuals with severe disabilities who cannot be adequately cared for within the reception facility, informing them about the transfer to specialised care facilities where they will receive appropriate services.

Practical tips

• Ensure that information sessions take place in accessible locations within the reception facility, equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This may involve ensuring accessibility for people with reduced mobility, adequate lighting, and appropriate seating arrangements.
• Utilise tailored communication channels to provide information effectively. For instance, for individuals with visual impairments, and depending on the type of impairment, offer written materials in braille, posters with large text or use audio formats. Additionally, consider using assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, and communication devices, where available.
• Use plain and simple language along with comprehensive visual or tactile information for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
• Provide individualised support through one-to-one sessions, allowing for additional explanations to address specific needs and concerns.
• Adapt oral information delivery to suit the needs of the audience, including moderating the pace of speech, using gestures and facial expressions to support understanding, and accommodating other communication preferences as necessary.
• For more, read the section ‘Adapt communication techniques’ on the portal.