Exploring a project that aims to raise awareness about social inclusion of people with disabilities
The project “Redefining Boundaries: Disabled Icons and Their Global Influence”, co-financed by the European Delegation in the Republic of Serbia and implemented by the Best Fest from Novi Sad, deals with creating conditions for the social inclusion of people with disabilities through activities that promote the achievements and abilities of people with disabilities through a series of exhibitions, awareness campaigns and training initiatives in Serbian cities.
Project activities were implemented in four cities, Požarevac, Šabac, Inđija, and the first event and opening of the project was held in Novi Sad on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
During the opening of the first event, the accompanying project activity was a panel discussion on the topic of inclusion of persons with disabilities, in which experts from this field and people for whom this is a priority topic participated.
The participants of the panel discussion in Novi Sad were Vesna Paušić, master dermatologist; Tamara Mladenović, graduate special education teacher; Senka Nenadov, a graduate student at the Faculty of Philosophy, philosophy and French language – cerebral palsy; and Zorica Petrović, mother of a disabled person.
At the panel, it was discussed about inclusion, first of all, through education, social environment, but also the employment of persons with disabilities. The challenges that need to be worked on today were an indispensable topic, but nevertheless, the participants of the panel spoke affirmatively about improving the position of persons with disabilities, the prohibition of discrimination, and various good examples from practice that encourage equality.
The second event was marked with a panel discussion entitled “Inclusion or illusion?” and with the opening of the exhibition “Persons with disabilities who changed the World.” The Association of Paraplegics of the Mačva District and the Association of Citizens, “The Best Fest” from Novi Sad, marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 4 in the Library Hall of Šabac Gymnasium. The main message of the panel discussion was that in order for inclusion not to be an illusion, it is necessary to take concrete steps and measures to ensure that all people have equal opportunities and rights.
The third event was held in Požarevac, in the Home for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Workshops and activities of the association’s users were held, which show a good example of the starting point for improving the quality of life of those who live with certain types of difficulties.
In order for inclusion not to be an illusion, it is necessary to take concrete steps and measures to ensure that all people have equal opportunities and rights
“The position of persons with developmental disabilities and disabilities is particularly sensitive, and they are at a much greater risk of being exposed to various forms and types of neglect and discrimination. That is why it is very important to create a safe and stimulating environment for persons with developmental disabilities and disabilities,” – said Vladan Bošković, secretary of the Inter-municipal Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Požarevac.
Members of the association presented their works at the creative workshops. There was also a stage performance – a pantomime, “New Youth,” directed by Vladislav Velkovski, which was prepared on the occasion of celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The final event was held on Monday, January 29, in Indjija, at the Multiple Sclerosis Association “Moj Srem,” and on this occasion, a workshop was presented. Emilija Mihajlović, the president of the “Moj Srem” Association, emphasized the importance of such workshops, but also the importance of the new premises that the Association received for use.
After the workshop, a photo exhibition was presented with a text about disabled people from all over the world who, despite the difficulties, managed to achieve results in their professions.
With the realization of the project activities, the main goal was to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities by understanding their needs and raising awareness about the importance of inclusion and equality in order to decrease prejudice and discrimination within our society.
