For five years now, the helpline 080010808 has been providing free assistance to people with disabilities, as well as to those caring for people with disabilities or promoting their rights.

People call the helpline to learn more about various benefits they may be entitled to, about how they can access social services, but also simply to find a sympathetic year. Since its launch, 11,000 calls have been registered. Nearly one in ten calls is made to report actual or perceived violations of the rights of people with disabilities.

During an anniversary event, the beneficiaries of this service expressed their gratitude to the counselors who spoke to them kindly and respectfully. The mother of a young woman with severe disabilities, who needs 24/7 care and supervision, admits that she feels mentally and physically exhausted. When calling 080010808, she is heard and supported. “I know that I and my child can be treated with respect at any time, and my child will be treated with respect,” said she. Another beneficiary thanked the team for helping him get a multifunctional bed, which he needed so much.

About a half of those who call the Free Telephone Assistance Service for People with Disabilities need help managing stress and panic. “I called the service when I was in a state of total despair. Both legs were amputated and, after being discharged from the hospital, I was brought home where there is no one to take care of me”, says a beneficiary. Thanks to the involvement of counselors, she was included in the home care service and also has lunch at the social canteen. More importantly, she was helped to re-establish relations with her daughter, with whom she had not communicated for several years.

The helpline is also called by people who feel they are discriminated against, even in medical institutions or at work. “I called the Free Telephone Assistance Service for people with disabilities because my family doctor did not offer me compensatory treatment for COVID -19. Thanks to the service and the information I received, I benefited from this treatment”, said another beneficiary.

The helpline 080010808 is a national service created to prevent and reduce situations where the rights of persons with disabilities are violated.