Moving to Belgium with a disability

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Bhavna Team

Member since 01 June 2015

BhavnaTeam17 July 2019 06:40:00

40583

Hello everyone,

Having a disability should not be a barrier to living abroad. While the intricacies of ones move to Belgium may be specific to the individual, certain steps can be undertaken to make the process smoother.

What are the important aspects you would personally keep in mind during the planning phase (social security benefits, ongoing medical treatment, etc.)?

Are you required to go through a medical check-up before your move?

Are there any organisations or groups who lend support to expatriates who have a disability?

What are your thoughts on the infrastructure in Belgium (public spaces, transportation and buildings)?

Are there enough opportunities to make the most of your social life in Belgium? Are leisure activities made accessible to people with disabilities?

Please do share your experience with us.

Bhavna

phipiemar VIP Member

Member since 01 May 2013

phipiemarVIP Member25 July 2019 16:21:15

4733

Hello Bhavna,

Many things are put in place for assistance to people with disabilities. Of course, there is always room for improvement.

Following the Belgian political complexity, there are several organizations to contact depending on the place of residence.
Walloon region
https://www.aviq.be/index.html
French speaking region of Brussels
https://phare.irisnet.be/
Flemish region of Brussels
http://www.brap.be/
Flemish region
https://www.vaph.be/
German speaking region
https://handicap.belgium.be/de/index.htm

It must also be remembered that English is not a language officially recognized by the Belgian state. So it is up to the newcomer to get by in one of our national languages or to be accompanied by an interpreter at his financial expense.

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