TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW, 衛福部) nears completion of amendments to the People with Disabilities Rights Protection Act (身心障礙者權益保障法), Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) announced Wednesday (Dec. 10). The draft is expected to reach the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, by year's end or January at the latest. The announcement comes after disability groups protested last week over delays in the amendment process.
The act has remained unchanged since 2007 despite the ministry proposing amendment drafts last August, creating frustration. The delay sparked dissatisfaction among disability groups, leading to protests last week demanding immediate action. Shih emphasized the amendment will address concerns by increasing representation of people with disabilities or their representatives in relevant committees, thereby enhancing policy participation.
The draft will promote universal design concepts, addressing food, clothing, housing, transportation, and education considerations at both central and local government levels. Shih stressed the importance of reinforcing autonomy for individuals with disabilities in local implementations across Taiwan. The minister announced plans to introduce penalties for improper treatment of people with disabilities under the new framework.
A special MHW report highlights plans to integrate long-term care home services and personal assistant services for independent living. The integration aims to meet the needs of severely disabled individuals requiring comprehensive support. The ministry will collaborate with disability groups and the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC, 金管會), Taiwan's financial regulator, to develop liability insurance for independent living support services, ensuring rights protection. ◼