Improving access to quality support services, education, and community inclusion for persons with disabilities requires continuous investment in local capacities and stronger cooperation between institutions and civil society organizations. đź’™
As part of the EMPOWERED project activities in Leskovac, new equipment has been delivered to organizations of persons with disabilities, as well as to the primary and secondary school “11. Oktobar” for children and youth with developmental disabilities. The support includes IT equipment, didactic materials, equipment for psychomotor re-education, and equipment for the corrective gymnastics cabinet, contributing to better working conditions and improved support services for beneficiaries.
The activities are implemented by IDC – Initiative for development and cooperation in cooperation with the City of Leskovac within the EMPOWERED project, led by ASB South East Europe and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The total value of project activities implemented in Leskovac is approximately 110,000 EUR, while the City of Leskovac contributes with 37,000 EUR, further supporting the development of local inclusive policies and services for persons with disabilities.
The delivered IT equipment is intended to strengthen the capacities of several local organizations working directly with persons with disabilities, including the Center for Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities Leskovac, the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Jablanica District, the Association “Naš svet” Leskovac, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Jablanica District, and the Association of Paraplegics Leskovac.
By improving technical and operational conditions for everyday work, the equipment will enable more efficient communication, organization of activities, and provision of support services, while also contributing to greater participation of persons with disabilities in community life.
The support delivered so far represents part of broader project activities implemented in Leskovac. In the upcoming period, additional medical equipment deliveries are planned for the “11. Oktobar” school, the Health Center Leskovac, and the District Organization of Blind and Visually Impaired Persons in Leskovac, further improving the availability and quality of services for persons with disabilities.
At the same time, several other activities are already being implemented in Leskovac, including psychosocial workshops, career counseling, and vocational education and labour inclusion programs for persons with disabilities. Public calls for beneficiaries from Leskovac, Novi Pazar, and Dimitrovgrad have also been launched, supporting qualification and requalification trainings, practical work opportunities, and integration into companies and organizations.
In addition, trainings dedicated to project proposal writing were organized for associations and local stakeholders in order to further strengthen local capacities for developing inclusive initiatives and sustainable community-based solutions.
By combining equipment support, educational opportunities, and local cooperation, the EMPOWERED project continues creating stronger conditions for inclusion, accessibility, and active participation of persons with disabilities in community life across the Western Balkans.
