The inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) across the Western Balkans continues to face a number of deeply rooted and systemic challenges, which affect every aspect of daily life and access to equal opportunities. These obstacles include:
🔸 societal stigma and discrimination
🔹 limited awareness and weak advocacy structures
🔸 a lack of inclusive local strategies and implementation plans
🔹 gaps between legislation and actual policy implementation
🔸 insufficient funding and resources, especially at the local level
🔹 lack of physical and digital accessibility
🔸 inadequate educational and vocational training options
🔹 persistent employment challenges and exclusion from the labor market
➡️ Within the framework of the Empowered project, these critical barriers will be directly addressed through targeted activities, strategic partnerships, and inclusive dialogue. Our aim is to build a society where no one is left behind, where inclusion is not just a policy goal but a lived reality for all.
The project will promote the creation of inclusive local action plans, ensure active involvement of people with disabilities in decision-making, and support civil society in holding institutions accountable.
Efforts will also be made to bridge the policy-to-practice gap, with a strong focus on improving access to public services, information, education, and employment for PwDs. Training sessions, awareness campaigns, and consultations will be tailored to involve local governments, institutions, employers, and communities.
We believe that lasting change can only happen through long-term commitment, multi-sector collaboration, and direct engagement with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations.
📌 Empowered will implement comprehensive and sustainable measures that aim to transform not only policies, but mindsets—creating communities where persons with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunities.
By strengthening community capacities and amplifying the voices of PwDs, this project will help turn challenges into actions and obstacles into opportunities for inclusive development.