Implementation Period: April 2024 – May 2025

ASET Center, with financial support from UNICEF and in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection as well as the State Social Service, supported the implementation of the bio-psycho-social model for disability assessment, in line with international standards (ICF).

The project included accredited training for 122 professionals of the multidisciplinary commissions in 12 regions, the development of the Monitoring Protocol for the Personal Assistant Service and Home Visits, the Guide for the Bio-Psycho-Social Assessment of Children with Disabilities, the Handbook on Benefits for Children with Disabilities, and a detailed report on the mapping of social services for children with disabilities at the national level. (All these publications are available electronically on ASET Center’s website.)The project has had a significant impact on strengthening local capacities (496 social administrators and 153 social workers at the municipal level across 12 regions were trained on developing individualized support plans for persons with disabilities, monitoring the Personal Assistant Service, and conducting home visits), improving the quality of assessments, and reinforcing mechanisms of cooperation among local structures.However, challenges such as lack of resources in remote areas, the need for continuous training, and weak local coordination were identified as areas requiring further intervention.Twelve regional forums and one national forum were held, where over 300 professionals shared experiences, challenges, and recommendations to improve inter-institutional cooperation and case referral systems.Recommendations for the future include the institutionalization of mandatory training, the development of advanced training modules, strengthening mentoring, and promoting small local meetings to address regional specificities.

This project represents an important step toward a more equitable, sensitive, and sustainable system for persons with disabilities in Albania.