Department of Social Welfare

Goals 

1. To provide people with disabilities with basic necessities.

2. To provide people with disabilities with fair and just treatment.

3. To provide people with disabilities with opportunities for personal betterment and development and self-realization.

Services 

A. Disability Identification

According to Article III of Physically and Mentally Disabled Citizens Protection Act, registered city residents with disability may visit designated hospitals for examination to classify the status of their disabilities. Once the level of disability is determined, DOSW will issue a Disability ID to ensure related benefits for the applicants are properly given.

B. Living Assistances for People with Disabilities

Living assistances for people with disabilities is provided in combination with general living assistances for the low-income to maintain their basic living needs.

C. Assistive Devices Subsidy

The registered city resident with Disability ID may apply for subsidies for purchasing assistive device expenses not covered by National Health Insurance.

D. Insurance Premium Subsidy

DOSW subsidizes 25% to 100% of premium for registered resident with Disability ID insured by National Health Insurance or other compulsory social insurance programs.

E. Placement Services and Supplemental Payment

Registered residents with Disability ID requiring agency placement, daycare, or other related services may receive supplemental payment 25% to 100% of the total service charges from DOSW.

F. Respite Care and Short-term Care

DOSW has contracted with two private agencies to provide respite care and short-term care either at home or at designated service sites to those registered residents with Disability ID of moderate to severe level of disability. For those who are mildly disabled, an age limit up to 12 years is earmarked for such services.

Additionally, for children under six years of age, or those who have not enrolled in elementary school, with certificates issued by the Department of Health, or certificates of developmental delays, they are also eligible for this service.

G. Rent Subsidy for People with Disabilities

DOSW provide rent subsidies to registered residents with Disability IDs and living with family members who own no house.

H. Subsidies to Developmentally Delayed Children Receiving Early Intervention Assistance.

A subsidy is provided to developmentally delayed children receiving early Intervention services from registered agencies for the disabled. Recipients of this subsidy must have not enrolled in elementary schools. Subsidies for intervention trainings and transportation subsidies are calculated as an item. The monthly subsidies can go up as high as NT$3,000 per person, and NT$5,000 per person for low-income households. This type of subsidies and transportation subsidies are calculated under the same medical service category, at NT$200 per day. Intervention assistance trainings are calculated in accordance with trainee’s self-paid expenses.

I. Establishment and Management of Agencies Providing Services for the Disabled

There is one public placement and educational institution in Taipei City serving 500 disabled persons, 20 publicly-owned but privately-run agencies serving 1,245 persons, 23 private agencies serving 782 persons, and 3 private service centers providing consultation, education and training programs. The planning for future services is oriented on establishing community-based smaller agencies, such as daycare centers and group homes. Residential placements of larger size are slated for construction in the suburbs. DOSW routinely evaluates, assists in, and monitors the operation of all service agencies to ensure quality of care.

J. Services for Visual Impairments                                                               

DOSW has contracted with Taiwan Foundation for the Blind to provide the training of independent self-managing living ability, orientation, braille and literature, blind computer and IT technique to registered residents with visual impairment. In addition, different kinds of activities are also held to support the visual impairments and their family.  

K. Case Management for Disabled Persons

DOSW has contracted with six private agencies to provide case management service to registered residents 15-65 years old with Disability ID who have difficulties in self-care and are not self-sufficient. DOSW has also contracted with four private agencies to provide case management assistance to Early Intervention cases under 6 years old of age with Disability ID or Diagnostic Proof of Developmental Delay.

L. Sign Language Services

DOSW provides sign language translation services to residents with hearing impairment or speech difficulties to facilitate their access to available services or participation in social activities. DOSW has contracted private agency provide 24-hour emergency sign language service to the needy.

M. Other Supportive Services for People with Disabilities

A Welfare House for People with Special Needs was established to provide assistive services such as information and referral, counseling, lectures, arts, recreational activities for residents with disabilities.

N. Protective Services for People with Disabilities

DOSW runs programs or activities for residents with disabilities or subsidizes private groups or associations to provide such services to enrich the living of people with disabilities.

O. Programs for People with Disabilities and Related Subsidies

DOSW subsidizes private groups or associations to provide various assistive services or activity programs for residents with disabilities.