The Independent Life Support Model (MAVI) is implemented through the creation of Independent Life Support Centres (CAVI), structures responsible for providing personal assistance to people with disabilities (Article 16 of the Ministerial Implementing Order No 415/2023 of 7 December 2023).

CAVIs are created as autonomous nuclei of Non-Governmental Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (NGPDs) that have the legal nature of Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS), and have the capacity to support a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 50 people. This structure has the role of management, coordination and support of personal assistance services, having as generic competence the design, implementation and management of personal assistance service, within the scope of independent living.

In accordance with Article 17(2) Ministerial Implementing Order No 415/2023 of 7 December 2023, the CAVI shall have the following responsibilities:

drawing up rules of procedure;

b) Define specific criteria for the provision of personal assistance to the recipient persons, in accordance with the requirements set out in this Ordinance;

receive requests for personal assistance from the persons to whom they are addressed or from those legally representing them;

d) Define the time of assignment of the technical team according to the number of persons with disabilities;

e) Recruit, support in the selection and hiring of personal assistant(s);

f) Collaborate in the elaboration of the individualized plan of personal assistance with the person receiving personal assistance;

g) Monitor the implementation of the individualized plan of personal assistance;

h) Redefine the individualized plan of personal assistance whenever the recipient person requests it according to their needs at each moment;

i) Coordinate the management of the activities to be carried out by personal assistants in accordance with individualized plans for personal assistance;

j) Ensure that the working time contracted with the personal assistant is effectively provided in support of the recipient person;

ensure conditions for the vocational training of personal assistant(s);

l) Promote awareness-raising, capacity-building, clarifications and debates on independent living to supported persons, families, relevant community entities and other relevant audiences;

m) To promote peer meetings of persons receiving personal assistance, for the exchange of experiences, learning and resolution of problems in the conduct of personal assistance;

n) Ensure the monitoring and mediation of the service provided and ensure the evaluation of its quality;

collect data, systematise them and keep them available for the purpose of assessing the development of the response;

p) Strive for the sound management of the personal assistance projects it operationalizes;

q) Prepare and submit applications for funding for the development and implementation of personal assistance projects.

The geographical scope of the CAVIs is the supraconcelhio territory.

There are currently 35 CAVIs in operation. You can consult the CAVI contacts in the available list HERE