It is a fundamental issue in the Dutch federal policy that disabled people must be enabled to use as much as possible the general facilities and arrangements open to the entire public. These facilities and services focus on independent living, education, vocational training, employment, and social integration. Independent living . Dwelling adaptation on an individual basis is financially supported by local or federal authorities. Administrative regulations are sometimes complicated and time-consuming, but in the end the money will always be provided.
Assistance is supplied for daily functions, such as provision of meals, bathing, and dressing.
In general, chronically ill or handicapped adolescents are supported to stay in the mainstream of regular education as long as possible. Secondary schools for special education are divided into fourteen different types, according to the nature of the disabilities. Local authorities are obliged to take care of transport of pupils to school. Before admittance to a special school, a thorough physical, psychological, social and educational assessment is made. The privately funded Foundation for Education and Disability fills in a part of this gap.