Monaco’s national plan for disability inclusion, Handipact, set an inspiring example at the Eleventh High-level Meeting of the Small Countries Initiative (SCI) in Bled, Slovenia, on 11-13 May. Reflecting the country’s commitment to inclusive policies that can empower people with disabilities through community engagement and social participation, Handipact brings to life the SCI’s commitment for equitable, diverse and inclusive participation, as outlined in the Slovenia Statement.
Launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Handipact promotes the rights of people with disabilities and strengthens social cohesion, accessibility and equal opportunity across all areas of life, from health care and education to employment and culture. The active involvement of those directly affected is central to the initiative, ensuring that solutions are co-created and barriers are identified and addressed. By fostering strong partnerships with civil society, Monaco is building a more inclusive society – one where every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
“The basic principle of Handipact is to be ready. Be ready to employ people with disabilities, be ready to accompany people with disabilities and be ready to teach and educate people with disabilities. I believe in a society where everyone finds their place, where everything is done so people with disabilities can live a beautiful life and pursue professional and personal goals without having to ask, ‘Where can I go tonight? Can I go to this restaurant, to that shop? Can I go to work?’” said Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Monaco.
Handipact is built around 9 pillars, covering all dimensions of accessibility and inclusion:
- raising public awareness to foster an inclusive society
- education and training to create equal opportunities
- employment and workplace accessibility for professional integration
- housing and urban planning to promote accessible living spaces
- mobility and transport accessibility for seamless movement across Monaco
- support services and health care, tailored to individual needs
- access to sports, culture and leisure, ensuring participation for all
- communication and visibility of initiatives to enhance engagement
- international cooperation, reinforcing Monaco’s leadership in inclusion.
Turning commitment into action
To transform policy into real change, these complementary measures are envisioned:
- “Nothing about us without us” network, bringing together disability associations (i.e. nongovernmental organizations) to identify challenges and co-design solutions;
- a disability network within public administration, ensuring that inclusion is a cross-cutting priority in all government actions, along with awareness training for public services towards greater inclusiveness and responsiveness;
- “Je suis prêt” (“I am ready”) initiative, mobilizing businesses, institutions and individuals to actively prepare for a more accessible society;
- a mobile app, helping people with reduced mobility navigate Monaco with ease;
- implementation of accessibility testers and validators, ensuring that infrastructure improvements meet real-life needs;
- a new “Priority Disability Card”, making it easier for people with disabilities to access priority services and to be recognized and identified;
- accessibility support for shops and restaurants, including government-funded portable ramps for willing businesses; and
- the development and dissemination of guides for public and private venues, equipping them to better welcome people with disabilities.
Sustained commitment
To ensure that Handipact remains a living and evolving initiative, Monaco will organize Handipact Day on 3 December, aligned with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This annual event will serve as a milestone for progress, bringing together stakeholders to review achievements, strengthen collaboration and identify new opportunities for the future. Through Handipact, Monaco is committed to become a model of accessibility and inclusion for all.