Finland
Authorities and ministries Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö, The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for coordinating policy for persons with disabilities Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö, The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for research, education and teaching for infants, art, culture and youth etc. Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos, THL, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare charts and monitors welfare and health in the population and develops measures to promote health. On the basis of their research and development work, they offer expertise and solutions applied by policymakers in the government, municipalities and regions, social and health care actors, researchers and citizens in relation to health promotion work. The Institute is an independent expert in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. In addition to a unit working with children and young people at THL, there is also a team called Funktionshinder i samhället (disabled in society), who work with issues related to people with disabilities of all ages. Valvira – Sosiaali- ja terveysalan lupa- ja valvontavirasto, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, is a national agency operating under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Valvira monitors social care activities nationwide and oversees the regional authorities. Valvira’s objective is to create a uniform licensing, governance and supervisory practice nationwide. Aluehallintovirasto, The Regional State Administrative Agency is a regional control, licencing and supervisory authority for social welfare. The Agency oversees both municipal and private social, health and care services. Vammaisten henkilöiden oikeuksien neuvottelukunta , VANE, The Advisory Board for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the national coordinating mecha71
