The “11 October” School for Primary and Secondary Education in Leskovac has been equipped with an adapted medical cabinet to help children with disabilities become more familiar with medical examinations and healthcare environments through a safe, supportive, and child-friendly approach.
Through adapted activities, appropriate equipment, educational materials, and the support of professional staff, children can gradually learn about healthcare procedures and medical examinations. This helps reduce fear and anxiety, strengthens their sense of security, and makes visits to the doctor easier and more comfortable.
The equipment was delivered within the framework of the EMPOWERED project – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans. As part of the project, new equipment was provided to institutions and organisations supporting persons with disabilities in Leskovac, with the aim of improving accessibility and the quality of local services.
The delivery was carried out by the civil society organisation Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC), with the support of Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) and the City Administration of Leskovac, in cooperation with regional partners. The total value of the project implemented in Leskovac is approximately €110,000, while the City of Leskovac is contributing €37,000, further demonstrating its commitment to strengthening local inclusion policies and support for persons with disabilities.
In addition to the medical cabinet at the “11 October” School:
- Leskovac Health Centre received a gynaecological examination table adapted for persons with reduced mobility, a hydraulic lift, and a three-panel privacy screen. This equipment will improve the conditions for providing healthcare services to persons with disabilities.
- The Leskovac Muscular Dystrophy Association received a hydraulic lift that enables the safe transfer of persons with limited mobility onto a massage table, making this service available to a larger number of users.
The aim of this activity is to strengthen the capacities of local institutions and organisations so that they can improve their work with users and provide higher-quality services. In this way, the activity directly contributes to greater inclusion and an improved position for persons with disabilities in Leskovac and the surrounding area.
The delivery of equipment is part of a broader process of improving the position of persons with disabilities in Leskovac through the EMPOWERED project. During the implementation of the project, a local working group was established. With the support of professional consultants, the group developed local inclusion plans and projects focused on persons with disabilities. Activities are currently under way to implement two local inclusion plans aimed at improving the position of persons with disabilities and developing community-based support services.
As part of the project, interviews, focus groups, and public consultations were conducted with representatives of institutions, civil society organisations, and persons with disabilities. These activities helped identify key needs and priorities for improving local policies and services.
From December 2025 to May 2026, career counselling was provided for persons with disabilities. During 2026, psychosocial workshops were also organised to support their empowerment and encourage their more active participation in social life.
When the environment is adapted to a child’s needs, every step towards better health becomes safer, more accessible, and more empowering.
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