The three-day Empowered project-writing training was successfully held in Travnik, co-organized by LIR CD and the Municipality of Travnik. The training was led by Prof. Dr. Adis Arapović and brought together activists and representatives of associations from the region. The importance of empowering local associations Empowering associations at the local level means strengthening their ability to identify community needs independently, design sustainable solutions, and secure funding for their implementation. When local organizations gain project-writing skills, they: Regional reach of the programme Empowered trainings are conducted in all 15 municipalities of the Western Balkans included in the project, building a wider network of over 60 organisations. This approach enables the exchange of good practices, interregional cooperation, and joint pilot projects that go beyond local borders — all aimed at greater inclusion of persons with disabilities and sustainable service development across the region. The results of the Travnik training — three project concepts developed in under 10 hours — confirm that targeted trainings quickly raise capacities. We continue with the same intensity in other municipalities to ensure that local organisations have the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed for lasting change.

CDI Macedonia, in partnership with Preda Plus and ADRF and with support from partner organisations within the regional EMPOWERED initiative, is organising a trilateral conference dedicated to advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities and strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable development in the Western Balkans. The event will take place on February 4, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Skopje and continues the series of knowledge‑sharing activities initiated at the regional conference in May 2025 and the trilateral meeting in Sarajevo at the end of 2025. The conference aims to bring together decision‑makers, ministry representatives, organisations of persons with disabilities, experts and private‑sector stakeholders to discuss two thematic sessions — regional cooperation, innovation and advocacy for systemic change, and employment policies and support for the employment of persons with disabilities — and to identify concrete steps for policy harmonisation, exchange of good practices and development of innovative solutions for an inclusive labour market. Special focus will be placed on empowering the participation of persons with disabilities in policymaking, strengthening regional advocacy networks and improving support mechanisms for long‑term inclusion. Organised by CDI Macedonia in cooperation with Preda Plus Foundation and ADRF – Albanian Disability Rights Foundation.

Disability awareness is not a campaign. It is not a gesture. It is a responsibility. True inclusion requires action at every level — in policies, institutions, workplaces, and communities. This is how we turn rights into reality: Inclusive education Accessibility is not optional. Schools must be equipped, adapted, and resourced so every student can learn on equal terms. Lived experience matters — voices of persons with disabilities belong in classrooms, not on the margins. Accessible workplaces Employment is a right. Inclusive hiring, reasonable accommodation, and accessible work environments are the minimum standard — not a favor. Diversity strengthens teams when systems are designed to include everyone. Community & policy action Change happens where decisions are made. We engage with local authorities and institutions to demand accessible public spaces, inclusive planning, and accountability — because participation without access is exclusion. Equitable healthcare Healthcare systems must work for everyone. Accessibility, clear communication, and continuous feedback from persons with disabilities are essential to dignity, safety, and quality care. Responsible media representation Nothing about us without us. Authentic, respectful representation challenges stereotypes and shifts narratives — from pity to power, from invisibility to visibility. Inclusion does not happen by chance. It happens when systems change, voices are heard, and commitments turn into action. Stand for rights. Amplify lived experience. Demand inclusion.

We are delighted to present the second edition of the Empowered newsletter, summarizing the first, exceptionally successful year of our project! The project “Empowered – Inclusion of persons with disabilities, regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans” celebrates its first anniversary, following a period of intensive work and significant achievements. This initiative is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and led by ASB in partnership with the organizations LIR Civil Society, IDC, PREDA Plus, Alfa Centar, CDI, and ADRF. Our clear goal is to create a society of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwDs). During the first year, our efforts have spanned across 15 municipalities in the Western Balkans, establishing strong partnerships with local self-governments and civil society. We have launched the first inclusive projects, psychosocial support, and career counseling, and strengthened mechanisms for inclusiveness. All these steps contribute to creating a strong Empowered community dedicated to improving the position of PwDs across the region. By the end of the project, significant and lasting impact is expected: This newsletter provides a detailed overview of each partner organization’s progress, highlighting their crucial role in local inclusion and regional advocacy. From Albania to Montenegro, our partners are actively working to strengthen communities and translate plans into concrete actions. They are the core of the Empowered initiative, and their efforts are invaluable for achieving our shared goals. Read the full edition to learn more about the impressive activities and achievements of our partners in the first year of the project. Direct links to partner reports: