Easier possibility to use PFRON funding
The State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People has launched a support system (SOW), which provides information on the types of PFRON support on the platform ( https://portal-sow.pfron.org.pl ) and at the same time creates the possibility of applying for funding from PFRON funds in electronic form ( https://sow.pfron.org.pl ).
The tool created by PFRON is to eliminate the need for a personal visit of disabled people and their carers to local government units that distribute help. The modern IT platform allows these people to submit applications in electronic form and apply for funding from PFRON online. The applicant may submit an application via the Internet and sign a contract using an electronic signature or a trusted profile. The SOW platform is also a source of information about all available programs and forms of support, including those regarding professional activation.
According to the CSO data, there are about 5 million disabled people in Poland (which is about 14 percent of the total of society), and only 28 percent. of them are professionally active. The barrier is, among others Stereotypes and fears of employers, but also a lack of knowledge on the side of disabled people, who often do not know what kind of funding can benefit from, in which programs they participate and where to report for support to activate each other professionally. Therefore, professional activation and reduction of unemployment in this group is one of the most urgent challenges.