Inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities in public hospitals

Programa ASI, by Fundación Personas with the Regional Government of Castilla y León, adapts hospitals and day centres for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. It uses ASI cards, IT alerts, QR protocols, easy‑language materials and nurse case managers. It serves 3,000+ people/year with 8.9/10 satisfaction.

Fundación Personas is an NGO founded by families of persons with intellectual disabilities in Castilla y León. In cooperation with the regional public health system, Fundación Personas created Programa ASI, supporting and coordinating the hospital stay of persons with disabilities and autism. Its main features are identity cards, electronic record alerts, adapted protocols, easy-to-read materials, and nurse case managers, By mid-2025, Programa ASI has benefited more than 3,000 users annually, and was implemented by most of the hospitals in the region.

Problems Targeted

Cognitive, sensory, and communicative barriers exclude persons with intellectual disabilities and autism from adapted healthcare in public hospitals.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Programa ASI (Asistencia Sanitaria Integral) was developed by Fundación Personas together with the Regional Government of Castilla y León and regional associations, like Plena Inclusion, to introduce person-centred support in hospitals and day-care centres, addressing the complex needs of people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Community-led committees of users and families identified key barriers, resulting in the ASI Card for patient identification and tailored care, as well as pioneering digital alerts in health IT systems and hospital QR code access to individual protocols. Inclusive innovations also include adapted consent forms, material in easy language, and the role of a dedicated nurse case manager. The programme is carried out with full patient-doctor confidentiality, always ensuring the protection of participants’ personal data and medical records. Programa ASI was initially piloted in key reference hospitals in Castilla y León. Following its integration into the Plan Persona – Centring Care on You programme of the Regional Ministry of Health of Castilla y León, it has been expanded to all other healthcare areas and some primary care centres. Impact analysis confirms reduction in wait times, higher satisfaction (averaging 8.9/10 in online surveys), improved outcomes in understanding, and stress reduction for users and families.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Programa ASI is co-funded by the Regional Government of Castilla y León and Fundación Personas, with additional resources from allied associations. It has been replicated across several hospitals in Castilla y León, demonstrating its adaptability to other hospitals and care centres. (#ZeroCall26)

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