Protestors at Oulu University Hospital demanded equal disability services across Finland as various organizations criticized the inconsistent application of disability laws that leads to inequality by region.
In a protest held at Oulu University Hospital, numerous disability organizations rallied for equal services for disabled individuals across Finland. The demonstrators presented a public statement to the leadership of the North Ostrobothnia welfare area, emphasizing that interpretations of disability service laws vary across different welfare regions. This inconsistency contributes to a lack of equality for individuals with disabilities, as their rights under the same law are not uniformly upheld.
Vuokko Klasila, a peer support leader and key organizer of the demonstration, highlighted the difficult situation facing disabled individuals, stating that true equality is currently far from being achieved. Klasila expressed particular concern regarding the reduction of personal assistants for disabled individuals when they are transferred from the disability service law framework to the social welfare law framework. As a result, many disabled people are left without the necessary support they require in their daily lives.
The rally demonstrates the urgent need for reform in the interpretation of disability laws, advocating for a uniform application across all regions in Finland. The protesters call for immediate action to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the same rights and services regardless of their place of residence, emphasizing that equality should be a fundamental right for all citizens.
