Strategies for reducing the right to PA in the Nordic ...

CiaraBrennanCentre for Disability StudiesUniversity of Icelandcsb1@hi.is
Strategies for reducing the right to PA in the Nordic countries
Objective
A multi-level analysis of thestrategies thatareused to reduceorlimit accessto personalassistance.The MediaCentral GovernmentLocal GovernmentThe CourtsThe Law
PA in the Nordic countries
Reputationfor generous welfareprovisions and disability policiesPioneering countriesPAlaws introduced in Sweden (1993), Norway (2000) and Iceland (2018)Decentralised
PA in the Nordic countries
Sweden: Rise in the numbers of people loosing PAandrejected applications.Norway:Patient and User Rights Act (2015) <25hours ofPA unlessthe municipalityprovesthatPA will increase costs.Iceland: TheAct on services for disabled people with long-term support needs (2018)
Question
How have countries that were once pioneers reduced access to PA?AnswerSeveral institutions are involved in this process.
1. The Media
Sensationalist reportingAccusationsof “fraud and “cheating”“ Spiralling” costsImmigrants linked to criminality
2. Central Government
Investigatefraud, cheating andcostsHands off approachDeferresponsibility to localgovernment and the courts
3. Local Government
Resistance to PAInadequate fundingBureaucratic barriersPreserve the established services
4. The Courts
Review decisions of local governmentReinterpret the criteria for PAJudges are unfamiliar with Independent livingIgnore commitments under international law
5. The Law
Incentivises local governments to allocate less hoursLimits eligibilityReliance on medical assessments
Conclusions
Several institutions are involved in reducing access to PAIt is important to identify these strategies in order to challenge themNeed to monitor PA at multiple levels
CiaraBrennanCentre for Disability StudiesUniversity of Icelandcsb1@hi.is
Strategies for reducing the right to PA in the Nordic countries