Three-day project-writing Empowered training in Travnik
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.
EMPOWERED SKOPJE: Trilateral conference on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Western Balkans
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.
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-LIRCD-WOR-T01
On 16th of January 2026, organization LIR Civil Society hereby announces the launch of a tender for theprovision of services for Installation of an elevator in the city administration building Bosanska Krupa,reference number BOS2404-LIRCD-WOR-T01 within the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of persons withdisabilities (PWDs), regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the FederalMinistry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit their request for tender documentation on company’s letterhead,to the e-mail addresses: zoran.basic@lircd.org; maja.katic@lircd.org and ivana.bojinovic@lircd.orgThe deadline for submitting offers in accordance with the tender documentation is 16. 02. 2026, by 12:00.
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞
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.
Empowered Newsletter No. 2 is here!
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:
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-ADRF-SER-T02
Invitation to Tender: Comprehensive Service Contract for Expert Review, Stakeholder Training and Local Inclusion Plan Review in the Municipalities of Tirana and Shkodra Albanian Disability Rights Foundation hereby announces the launch of the tender for a “Comprehensive Service Contract for Expert Review, Stakeholder Training and Local Inclusion Plan Review in the Municipalities of Tirana and Shkodra”, under reference number BOS2404-ADRF-SER-T02. This tender is issued as part of the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Regional Cooperation, and Development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ). Interested bidders are invited to submit their requests for tender documentation on official company letterhead between December 16, 2025 and December 30, 2025, by sending an email to: info@adrf.al The deadline for submission of bids is January 16, 2026, at 15:00.
IDC and the City of Leskovac host intensive EMPOWERED project training for inclusive community development
From December 9th to 11th, Leskovac became the hub of intensive training within the EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans project. This three-day training, organized by IDChttps://idcserbia.org/en in collaboration with the City of Leskovac, took place at the Center for Professional Development (CSU) Leskovac, aiming to strengthen local capacities for inclusive development. The training was expertly delivered by the Youth Forum of Persons with Disabilities, providing participants with invaluable knowledge and skills crucial for the effective implementation of project activities. The atmosphere was filled with energy, an exchange of experiences, and inspiring new ideas, reflecting the deep commitment of all attendees to the project’s goals. The training brought together a diverse range of key stakeholders, including representatives from the City Administration of Leskovac, the District Organization of the Blind of Leskovac, members of the “Our World” Association, presidents and members of MS Associations, Paraplegics Associations, and Dystrophy Associations, professional associates from the Center for Social Work, presidents of Centers for Independent Living of PwDs, and many others. Their active participation in gaining new insights and skills was of paramount importance. Through a series of interactive workshops, participants engaged in developing project activities, drafting budgets, and risk management. These segments are fundamental to collectively building a path towards stronger and more inclusive communities. On the second day of the training, the focus shifted to monitoring, evaluation, and the preparation of project documentation, completing a comprehensive program designed to equip local actors for long-term success. This initiative is more than just a project; it serves as a foundation for shaping local policies that will genuinely address the needs of persons with disabilities and advance social inclusion within our community. Through the EMPOWERED project, we are collectively working to strengthen the legal framework and improve the living conditions for persons with disabilities and their families. The engagement of every stakeholder is indispensable in our mission to create policies grounded in real needs.
Prizren municipality focus group and PREDA Plus conclude productive year, prioritizing accessibility
The Focus Group on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities of the Municipality of Prizren recently held its final and highly productive meeting of the year with the PREDA Plus Foundation, our dedicated partner in promoting inclusivity. This session reaffirmed a strong commitment to fostering a more accessible and equitable environment for all citizens of Prizren. Key discussions revolved around vital project ideas, with a particular emphasis on improving accessibility to public facilities. Participants underscored that physical access is not merely a convenience but a fundamental right, as recognized under Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). This perspective will guide all future initiatives. “Accessibility to public facilities is a cornerstone of an inclusive society. It is our obligation to ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, has equal opportunities to access services and spaces,” stated a representative from the Focus Group. Looking ahead, the initiative will strategically focus on concrete actions to enhance access within facilities and update the Local Inclusion Plan for Persons with Disabilities. This approach aims to ensure that the municipality’s infrastructure and policies truly reflect inclusive principles. To ensure these initiatives accurately reflect the needs and aspirations of the community, a Public Consultation will be held in early January at the Municipality of Prizren. All community members are strongly encouraged to participate, as their valuable insights are considered crucial for shaping effective and impactful solutions. “Every voice matters,” organizers emphasized, inviting broad engagement.
CDI Macedonia drives local inclusion with Empowered working groups in Valandovo and Demir Kapija
The Community Development Institute (CDI) Macedonia, a vital partner within the EMPOWERED initiative, is making significant strides in fostering local inclusion and progress. Recently, CDI successfully convened crucial working group meetings in the municipalities of Valandovo and Demir Kapija. These essential gatherings serve as a dynamic platform for local stakeholders to collaborate on the further development of comprehensive inclusive plans and the meticulous planning of upcoming project activities. By bringing together key community members and experts, CDI is actively ensuring that local needs and perspectives are at the forefront of the EMPOWERED project’s implementation. Through such dedicated on-the-ground engagement, CDI is instrumental in spreading the core idea of #EmpoweredWB and actively empowering communities across the Western Balkans. This collaborative approach is fundamental to building stronger, more inclusive futures for all.
Alfa Centar Nikšić strengthens capacities for inclusive policies in Kolašin through EMPOWERED project training
Kolašin, Montenegro – Alfa Centar Nikšić, partner in the EMPOWERED project, recently conducted a successful training session in Kolašin, bringing together representatives from local associations, social work centers, and the Municipality of Kolašin. The clear objective of this gathering was to collectively strengthen capacities for the effective implementation of the Empowered Western Balkans initiative. This event represents more than just a project meeting; it serves as a foundational platform for shaping local policies that will authentically address the needs of persons with disabilities (PwDs) and significantly advance social inclusion within the Kolašin community. During the training, participants discussed vital advocacy strategies that directly involve the community in decision-making processes. Alfa Centar Nikšić emphasized that the active participation of associations, local authorities, parent representatives, and all interested parties is crucial for creating a truly inclusive environment. Through such collaboration, it is ensured that all initiatives are grounded in real needs and perspectives. Through the EMPOWERED project, collective efforts are being made to strengthen the legal framework and improve the living conditions for persons with disabilities and their families. The mission is to create policies based on actual needs, and therefore, the engagement of every stakeholder is indispensable. Such gatherings, like the training in Kolašin, solidify cooperation and bring us closer to creating a more just society. Alfa Centar Nikšić extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their dedication and commitment to creating positive changes together.