«PERSONAL BUDGET OF DISABLED»: EXPERIENCE OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND RELEVANCE OF USE IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

Abstract

Problem and relevance. The main direction of the state social policy of the Republic of Belarus is support for people with disabilities. Thus, an urgent direction in the development of social policy is the improvement of the system of financing rehabilitation and social support for people with disabilities. The experience of foreign countries shows that the use of the «personal budget of a disabled person» is an effective financial mechanism for ensuring flexibility and targeting of rehabilitation and social support for people with disabilities. This financial mechanism improves the quality of life of people with disabilities and contributes to their independent lifestyle. In this regard, this funding model is promising for the Republic of Belarus. The aim of this study was to study foreign experience in the rehabilitation and social support of disabled people using the «personal budget of a disabled person» in the context of the attractiveness of this funding model for the Republic of Belarus. Methodology. The research is based on fundamental and applied scientific research in the field of rehabilitation and support of disabled people in foreign countries and legislative documents of foreign countries. To achieve the goal of the research, the following methods were used: analysis, synthesis, comparison, theoretical generalization, systematization, description. Results of work. The main factors that determine the need to improve the system of financing the rehabilitation and social support of disabled people in the Republic of Belarus have been identified. The essence of the «personal budget of a disabled person» as a model of financing social support and rehabilitation of disabled people in foreign countries has also been investigated. The types of rehabilitation and social support for which funds from the «personal budget of a disabled person» are spent are identified and the similarities and differences in the practical implementation of such a funding model in foreign countries are identified. Application of ...