Government Agencies and Official Procedures

Explore these official French government resources and procedures recommended by SPRINT and its members.

Table of contents :

• the MDPH, including the CDAPH

• the Defenseur des Droits

• la CAF, the Family Allowance Fund

• the PPS, the Personalized Schooling Project

• the PAP, the Personalized Accompanying Plan

• the FINESS, The National File of Health and Social Institutions

• Circular on the missions and activities of staff responsible for supporting students with disabilities - 2017

• French guide on schooling children with special educational needs

The Departmental House for People with Disabilities (MDPH) is a public service that informs, guides and supports people with disabilities and their families. It serves as a central point of access to disability-related rights, benefits and services.To learn how to apply and what to expect, see our page explaining the process of contacting the MDPH.

The Commission for the Rights and Autonomy of People with Disabilities (CDAPH) makes decisions about disability-related rights, support and orientation. These may include:

• Educational, professional and social support, including school placement and appropriate services.

• Disability benefits, including the AEEH (benefit for children with disabilities), AAH (benefit for adults with disabilities) and PCH (disability compensation benefit).

• The Mobility Inclusion Card (CMI), including priority and parking privileges.

• Recognition as a disabled worker (RQTH).

An application to the MDPH is required to access many of these rights and services.

The Defender of Rights is an independent public institution that protects people’s rights and promotes equal access to rights for all. Individuals and organizations can contact it free of charge if they experience discrimination, believe a child’s rights are being violated, encounter difficulties with a public service, or have concerns about the conduct of law enforcement or security personnel.

The Family Allowance Fund (CAF) is part of France’s Social Security system. It provides financial assistance and supports local services for families, children, housing and people experiencing social or financial difficulties. Disability-related benefits include the AEEH (allowance for children with disabilities) and the AAH (allowance for adults with disabilities). Eligibility depends on specific criteria. To apply for these benefits, you generally need to submit an application to the MDPH first. See this explanation page explaining the process.

The Personalized Schooling Project (PPS) is a document that coordinates the education and support of a student whose disability has been recognized by the MDPH. It is developed at the family’s request. Under the responsibility of the enseignant référent (special education liaison teacher), the PPS specifies the support needed, which may include:

• Therapeutic or rehabilitation services

• Individual human assistance (AESH)

• Adapted educational materials

• Exemptions from certain lessons

The PPS is reviewed at least annually and guides the student’s educational pathway across school and relevant health and support services.

The Personalized Support Plan (PAP) is a school-based plan for students with persistent learning difficulties. Unlike the PPS, it focuses on educational adjustments and does not require an application to the MDPH. The PAP may include measures such as enlarged text, preferential seating, oral rather than written assessments, adapted PE activities, or memory aids. It is intended for adjustments that the school can provide without external support or specialized equipment. The plan is developed under the responsibility of the school principal or head, in consultation with the school doctor. See this sample PAP form (in French), covering preschool through high school.

The FINESS Directory (National Register of Health and Social Care Establishments) is France’s official directory of health, social and medico-social establishments and services. It provides information such as their names, locations, contact details and authorizations. Families can use FINESS to find relevant services and check the administrative registration of an establishment. A FINESS listing does not, by itself, guarantee the quality of a service or confirm that every activity it offers is authorized.

Read this English translation of the French government circular, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of staff supporting students with disabilities in French primary and secondary schools. The circular explains the support students should receive in daily activities, including personal care, safety, mobility, access to learning and social participation. It also outlines the recruitment, employment conditions and training of these staff members. French education law affirms the right of every child to education without discrimination. The school is responsible for adapting the learning environment to meet students’ individual needs.

The French Ministry of Education published this Guide to Schooling Children and Adolescents with Disabilities in 2018. Written in French, it provides a comprehensive overview of the French education system’s approach to disability and inclusive education, including the MDPH, school support, adapted materials, exam accommodations and different schooling options. Please note: Some information may have changed since publication. For current procedures and regulations, consult the Ministry’s official inclusive education resources.