Advice for people with disabilities
On this page, you will find some options for how people with disabilities can make their lives easier in the Czech Republic.
ID cards
Many discounts and benefits can be obtained thanks to the Parking Card for People with Disabilities and, above all, thanks to the ZTP or ZTP/P ID card. Information about the Parking Card can be found here. Information about the ZTP or ZTP/P card can be found here. The benefits for both types of cards are the same. The only difference is that the ZTP card offers discounts only for the cardholder. The ZTP/P card also offers discounts for the cardholder’s companion (which is why the card has a /P in its name).
Free assistance when traveling by train
České dráhy and other carriers in the Czech Republic offer free assistance to persons with disabilities, reduced mobility (wheelchair users), or orientation (visually impaired). This service includes assistance with boarding and exiting the train, orientation at the station, or assistance with luggage. Assistance must be booked at least 24 hours in advance using the online form here or by calling 221 111 122 or at the Czech Railways ticket office. If your journey involves changing trains, this is no problem. Assistants will help you get off one train, take you to the next train, and help you board it. This way, you can also transfer between trains of other carriers. For example, from a Czech Railways train to a RegioJet train. In this case, however, you must purchase a ticket for the entire journey through the OneTicket service. They will then provide you with assistance throughout your journey. Tickets purchased through OneTicket are slightly more expensive, but I know from personal experience that it’s worth it.
Compensation aids through the Employment Office
You can apply for a so-called special aid allowance at the Employment Office. It is intended for people with severe defects of the musculoskeletal system (wheelchair users, bedridden people), severe hearing or visual impairments, or severe internal disorders. The allowance is intended for aids for self-care, work, or mobility. The Labor Office usually contributes 90% of the cost of the aid. The applicant pays the rest of the cost themselves. Examples of use: A car adapted for wheelchair users, a stair climber, a fully functional new computer (or mobile phone) adapted for use by the visually impaired, a guide dog, and more …
ČEZ – electricity for persons with disabilities
ČEZ offers a special product called “Electricity for Persons with Disabilities,” which provides discounted electricity prices for holders of ZTP or ZTP/P cards and their households. The contract can be arranged via the infoline 800 810 820 or customer service centers.
Discount from O2 in the amount of CZK 200 per month
O2 provides holders of ZTP or ZTP/P cards with a state subsidy of CZK 200 per month for mobile tariffs, fixed internet, landline, or prepaid cards. The discount can be applied to most tariffs. Applications can be submitted in person at a store or sent by mail. More information here.
Free assistance at the airport
Assistance at the airport for persons with disabilities, reduced mobility (wheelchair users), or orientation (visually impaired) is free of charge. An airport employee will meet you near the airport entrance. They will accompany you through all security checks and seat you on the plane. It is necessary to request this service at least 48 hours in advance through a travel agency or airline. From my own experience, I recommend ordering the assistance service directly from the airport. More information about the assistance service at Václav Havel Airport can be found here.
Retraining and education opportunities through the Employment Office
- Retraining and education always relate to a specific person and are handled according to their place of residence.
- The condition is to be registered with the Employment Office as:
- job seeker (unemployed), or
- job seeker (registered, but employed or self-employed).
- Unemployed applicants, especially people with disabilities or the long-term unemployed, are given priority in the approval process.
- Most often, retraining focused on manual labor and crafts is covered. Courses focused on soft skills are supported to a limited extent and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Everyone has the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to CZK 50,000 for education over a period of three years.
- Current reimbursements may affect the state’s provisional budget.
- In the case of so-called selected retraining, the applicant or interested party chooses the course themselves according to their needs and possibilities.
Benefits
Social benefits are a chapter unto themselves. In the Czech Republic, there are a large number of benefits and allowances that can be applied for. First and foremost, of course, is the disability pension, although this is not a benefit. People with disabilities often take advantage of mobility allowances and care allowances. In the event of financial difficulties, it is possible to obtain housing allowances, emergency immediate assistance, and more.
All applications for cards or allowances require a little effort. But the result is worth it !!
Thanks to his ZTP/P card, the author of this article travels free of charge on all public transport. He travels almost free of charge on all trains and buses. He has free admission to some swimming pools, such as the large pool in Slovany in Plzeň. Holders of ZTP or ZTP/P cards also receive discounted admission to many events (concerts, tours, etc.). It is up to the specific organizer to decide whether to offer a discount and how much it will be..