At the end of November, President Gitanas Nausėda signed significant amendments to the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Law on Targeted Compensation. These changes establish, for the first time in Lithuania, a clear system ensuring both financial support and full accessibility for people with visual impairments who rely on guide dogs. The new framework will enter into force on 1 May 2026.
Under the amended legislation, the state will provide substantial financial assistance by reimbursing up to 90% of guide dog training costs.
Paulius Kalvelis, President of the Lithuanian Blind and Partially Sighted Union (LASS), emphasizes the impact of the reform: “A clear reimbursement mechanism finally makes guide dogs financially accessible and allows people to plan with confidence. This decision will significantly improve the independence and daily lives of people with visual impairments.”
Beyond funding, the amendments introduce comprehensive access rights for guide dog users. Individuals with visual impairments will have an explicit legal right to enter all public spaces and buildings, and to use all forms of public transport and taxis with a guide dog—regardless of the venue or service type. This change eliminates previous cases where guide dog users were denied entry due to unclear regulations.
Another key development is the removal of the restriction that only internationally accredited organizations may train guide dogs. Going forward, both natural and legal persons in Lithuania will be able to provide training if they meet quality standards set by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. This is expected to increase training capacity and reduce waiting times.
An interinstitutional working group, which includes civil society organizations such as LASS, has already begun drafting the necessary implementing rules to ensure the system functions effectively in practice.
The Lithuanian Blind and Partially Sighted Union stresses that these reforms mark a decisive step toward strengthening mobility, autonomy, and equal participation for people with visual impairments in Lithuania.