Toddlers with a disability or a suspected disability are entitled to individual support. More than a thousand young children receive this help. Flemish Minister of Welfare Hilde Crevits (CD&V) reports this on the occasion of world autism day on 2 April.
Global Individual Support, or GIO, offers children with a disability or suspected disability help in the form of stimulation, coaching, training and assistance. The help is intended for very young children, up to and including the first grade, and is often used at major transition moments, such as the transition to kindergarten. A supervisor will accompany you in the classroom or the shelter. The intention is that children with disabilities or autism can participate in day care or regular education.
GIO has existed since 2019. The number of children using it is increasing every year. In 2021, this involved more than 900 children. The exact figures for 2022 will be announced at the end of May, but it is expected to be more than 1,000 children.
inclusive society
GIO is there for children with a suspected disability or children with a disability who live in Flanders or Brussels, and who do not have a personal assistance budget, or who are not yet supported by a multifunctional center (MFC).
“It is good that children with a disability or autism, or a suspicion thereof, can go to a shelter or regular education. This contributes to an inclusive society where children with and without specific care needs can grow up together,” said Minister Crevits about the support.
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