Empowered two-day study visit (24–27 March 2026) — Inclusion of persons with disabilities, regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans
Under the EMPOWERED project led by ASB SEE with LIR CD as local organizer, representatives of civil society, state institutions, the private sector and regional experts from six Western Balkans countries will take part in a study visit to Croatia and Slovenia (24–27 March 2026). The visit will highlight community-based services, deinstitutionalization, inclusive employment and legislative frameworks that support the social and labour-market inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs).
Please download: AGENDA and LOGISTICS GUIDE
Program highlights
✅Day 1 (24/03) — Arrival in Zagreb, orientation briefing and networking dinner.
✅Day 2 (25/03) — Sveti Ivan Zelina: welcome at City Hall, presentations on community-based daily services, occupational and socio‑educational activities, supported living models, cooperation with local employers and social investment funds; site visit to a Day Centre and Supported Housing programme; working lunch and reflection session on transferability and pilot actions for WB6 countries.
✅Day 3 (26/03) — Ljubljana: visit to an inclusive company / protected workshop (Želva) and the University Rehabilitation Institute Soča; high-level sessions on disability legislation, vocational rehabilitation, employment services, quota systems, employer incentives and funding mechanisms; Q&A and practical demonstrations.
✅Day 4 (27/03) — Return to WB6 countries and internal evaluation.
Objectives and expected outcomes
✅Exchange and document good practices and concrete models for better inclusion of PwDs through education, employment and community support.
✅Strengthen regional cooperation and identify pilot partnership opportunities across WB6.
✅Collect case studies and practical recommendations to feed the EMPOWERED Guide for effective Public‑Private‑Civil partnerships and future advocacy materials.
Organizers and partners
EMPOWERED project — led by ASB SEE, organized in cooperation with LIR Civil Society (LIR CD) and regional partners.
For participants
Participants will include representatives from private sector companies, NGOs, local governments, rehabilitation and employment services, and other stakeholders involved in PwD inclusion. The visit will combine site visits, expert presentations, Q&A sessions and reflection workshops to facilitate learning and replication.