1/1/2023

Aachen, Germany, January 2023 – The Rising inflation also had an impact the individual mobility and a barrier-free home projects of Thalidomide-affected people, making many of the urgently needed conversion projects significantly more expensive. The Grünenthal foundation will therefore increase the maximum allowance.

Increased specific needs funding

The support for conversions of kitchens, bathrooms and vehicles will be raised by 8 % from 2023 on for two consecutive calendar years. The approved amount of the previous year will be added to the current year. The maximum funding to make cars accessible for handicapped people will be 27,000 €, for barrier free bathrooms it will be 16,000 € and 11,000 € for kitchen adaptations. (A personal contribution of 5.000 € will be offset against the invoice, unless the beneficiary can proof respective disability related additional costs.)

Growing needs and possibilities

We continue to see a significant need for handicapped-accessible modifications that enable Thalidomide affected people to lead a self-determined life. “In parts these are replacements purchases, but it also reflects the increasing physical restrictions when advancing in age.” explains Susanne Schmitt-Degenhardt, Grünenthal Foundation for the Support of Thalidomide-Affected People, and adds “At the same time the technical advancement offers many new possibilities to ease every-day life. For instance, smart home applications for controlling lights, shutters, music etc.”.

Voice control software training

As in previous years, the Grünenthal Foundation will continue to finance training in the use of the Dragon voice control software to facilitate communication via computer. The offer includes a suitable laptop, the software and a 4-day training course in a barrier-free hotel.

About the Grünenthal Foundation for the Support of Thalidomide-affected people
(Grünenthal-Stiftung zur Unterstützung von Thalidomidbetroffenen)
The Grünenthal Foundation was established at the beginning of 2012 and thus integrated Grünenthal's initiative for hardship cases, which has been in place since 2011. Their task is to improve the quality of life of people harmed by Thalidomide. Personal communication with those affected is the key to the success of the foundation. The team takes time to get to know the needs of each individual. In this way, it can offer support services that start where they make a real difference in the lives of those affected. The focus is on help that makes life in one's own home easier, promotes contact with other people or aids in practicing a profession. To date, the Grünenthal Foundation has supported more than 780 victims in almost 3,500 causes. In addition, she has carried out various nationwide and international projects.

For more information, see www.grunenthal-stiftung.com.