Focus groups held in Leskovac and Dimitrovgrad
As part of the Empowered – Strengthened project, focus groups were successfully held in Leskovac and Dimitrovgrad, organized by the Forum of Youth with Disabilities (FMI) and the partner organization IDC – Initiative for Development and Cooperation. The focus groups brought together persons with disabilities who, through open and constructive dialogue, shared their experiences, needs, and suggestions. The aim of these activities is to directly collect relevant insights from beneficiaries about the challenges they face in everyday life, particularly in accessing services, education, employment, and participation in the community. These discussions provide an important basis for developing concrete recommendations aimed at improving local policies and practices related to inclusion. The active involvement of persons with disabilities ensures that future measures are better aligned with real needs on the ground. The next focus group is planned in Novi Pazar, where the process of gathering insights and strengthening inclusive approaches at the local level will continue.
Concrete steps forward for inclusion – PREDA PLUS
Inclusion is becoming a reality through strong local partnerships and active community engagement within the Empowered project. Strengthening local cooperation in Istog In the Municipality of Istog, a significant step forward has been made through the official signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Municipality and the PREDA Plus Foundation. The agreement was signed by Mayor Ilir Ferati and the National Coordinator of PREDA Plus in Kosovo, Petrit Bllaca. This partnership lays the foundation for the implementation of jointly co-funded local initiatives aimed at improving the position of persons with disabilities. Planned activities will focus on enhancing the quality and efficiency of physiotherapy services, improving access to specialized educational tools for children with disabilities, and supporting the development of more accessible infrastructure. Defining priorities in Mitrovica At the same time, in Mitrovica, a Focus Group organized by project partner PREDA Plus gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including professionals from the social, psychological, and educational sectors, as well as representatives of persons with disabilities. The discussion resulted in the identification of key priorities for improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities. These include the improvement of school conditions through the functionalization of resource classrooms, the provision of technical and medical equipment, the installation of audio signaling at traffic lights, and the placement of tactile paving. Additional priorities were also identified and will be further discussed during a public consultation planned for April. A shared commitment to inclusion These activities demonstrate a strong and shared commitment of local institutions and civil society to advance accessibility and inclusion. Continued cooperation and active participation of all stakeholders remain essential to ensuring that identified priorities are translated into concrete and sustainable improvements for persons with disabilities.