NAV covers the cost of a companion for people with congenital deafblindness

The clarification came as a result of Eikholt raising the matter with the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Directorate after receiving a report of concern from the Norwegian Association of Deafblind People.

People with congenital deafblindness have rarely been able to participate in adaptation courses for deafblind people because this has meant that the municipalities have had to pay extra for escorts to accompany the course participant. People with congenital deafblindness have therefore in practice been prevented from participating in adaptation courses.

The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) has now concluded that the National Insurance Scheme covers extra expenses for companions for people with congenital deafblindness during participation in adaptation courses for the deafblind.

People with congenital deafblindness rarely use an interpreter from the NAV Interpretation Service. As a rule, this user group is followed up by staff in housing and/or day centres. This staff should have the opportunity to accompany the participant on adaptation courses. This entails extra costs for the municipality. It has now been clarified that NAV will cover these escort costs.

Eikholt will agree with the municipality/organisation where the user lives or receives his/her day care to pay for extra expenses for a companion/practical assistance beyond what is the responsibility of the municipality/organisation. Eikholt can pay for the expenses for the companion and include them on a specified invoice to NAV after the course has been completed.