BRAVING THE WINDMILL

Objective The objective of the paper is to show efforts by MEREK to change attitudes towards disability through implementing a new approach into the Hungarian system of providing assistive technology to clients. Main content The Hungarian system of selecting assistive tools to clients is determined almost exclusively by the decisions of medical specialists. The paper describes the Hungarian situation: the process of providing assistive tools to clients, the factors taken into account during the process and the contributing factors of the decisions of doctors. Efforts made by MEREK are detailed to develop services contributing to the independence of clients, people with mobility and communications problems. The House of Tomorrow offers special rehabilitation services according to individual needs. The Gurulo ("Rolling") Project aims at providing clients with assistive tools adapted to their current personal needs justified by ICF-examination. International experiences underline the idea behind the project that funds are efficiently allocated only if a complex service provider's approach is combined with open market competition and regular surveillance of clients' needs. According to the definition of disability in the UN Disability Convention, we hope that the adequate use of assistive technology can decrease the effect of disability. Results MEREK completed the establishment of an independent national network of seven assistive tools' workshops. The maintenance and special individual adaptations of assistive tools are carried out according to the results of ICF-examination Experiences gained from international networking and through the operation of the workshops are used to back efforts in Hungary for a shift in the system of supplying assistive tools. Bilateral co operations are built and national collaboration is enhanced with partners involved. Conclusions In cooperation with social service providers our efforts enable people with physical disabilities to live a full life previously unheard of in Hungary.