What is the Online Handbook on Disability Services?
The Online Handbook on Disability Services in Finland is maintained by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The Handbook covers the rights and social services of persons with disabilities in Finland and the phases and tasks of the social work process. It describes disability as a phenomenon in society and the problems of disability research, and it supports the management and supervision of disability services.
The Handbook also reveals actualities in the field of disability services, important publications, statistics and legal practice in the field of disability services. Information on the wellbeing, living conditions and service needs of people with disabilities, compared to the rest of the population, is produced based on the administrative registers, national population surveys, and special surveys conducted by the THL.
Local social workers in the wellbeing services counties can use the Handbook to support their work and decision-making with people with disabilities. Students in social work and social services can also use the Handbook in their curriculum.
The Handbook is available in various languages
This is an English summary of the Handbook. The English summary is addressed to professionals, academics and people with disabilities using the English language in Finland and worldwide.
The Handbook covers social services for persons with disabilities in Finland. For other information concerning disability and disability services in Finland, please get familiar with the links in the info boxes on the Disability services page.
Disability services
The full version of the Handbook is available in the two official languages in Finland:
Summaries in Saami languages:
- In Northern Saami language: Lámisvuođabálvalusat
- In Inari Saami language: Palvâlusah vádulij várás
- In Skolt Saami language: Lääʹmeskääzzkõõzz
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
The Online Handbook on Disability Services in Finland is maintained by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). THL studies, monitors and develops measures to promote the well-being and health of the population in Finland. We serve various parties: the government, decision-makers of the municipalities and wellbeing services counties, actors in the social welfare and health sector, organizations, the research community and the public.
