Project
about THE PROJECT
Together.
Included.
Empowered.
Persons with disabilities in the Western Balkans remain one of the most marginalized groups, often excluded from employment, education, and decision-making processes. Despite some legal protections, enforcement is weak, and many PwDs still face systemic discrimination and limited opportunities.
Short introduction
Project overview
6 Countries
Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia
44 months
Duration: September 1, 2024 – April 30, 2028 (44 months)
lead organization
Lead organization: ASB - Arbeiter Samariter Bund
Expected Impact
By the end of the project, Empowered will create significant and lasting change in the region
1,500 PwDs will benefit from improved services and support programs.
600 PwDs will receive psychosocial support and career counseling.
300 PwDs will gain vocational training and job placement opportunities.
21,500 PwDs will access improved community services and infrastructure.
15 municipalities will adopt inclusive policies and action plans to promote PwD rights.
1 million citizens will be reached through advocacy campaigns, increasing public awareness and challenging stereotypes about PwDs.
Complete project overview
The Empowered project is a large-scale regional initiative dedicated to improving the social, economic, and political inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) across the Western Balkans. The project recognizes that sustainable inclusion requires a multi-level approach, integrating regional policymaking, local partnerships, and direct support for PwDs. Through collaboration between government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector, Empowered will establish long-term solutions to break down barriers that prevent PwDs from full participation in society.
This project aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and supports the EU enlargement process by helping the Western Balkan countries adopt and implement inclusive policies. By bringing together national and local stakeholders, Empowered will create an enabling environment for change, ensuring that the rights of PwDs are protected not just on paper, but in practice.
A key strength of Empowered is its regional approach. While each country in the Western Balkans has unique challenges, they share common barriers to PwD inclusion, such as limited access to employment, education, and public services. Through cross-border knowledge exchange and coordinated advocacy efforts, the project will accelerate progress and support institutional reforms that bring tangible improvements to PwDs’ lives.
Key Activites
To achieve these goals, the project will implement a comprehensive set of activities across the six Western Balkan countries
Two regional ministerial conferences
Two regional ministerial conferences to promote policy alignment and improve national PwD inclusion strategies.
Six trilateral working conferences
Six trilateral working conferences to facilitate cross-border exchange of best practices and collaboration on PwD policies.
Development of Local Inclusion Plans
Development of Local Inclusion Plans in 15 municipalities to provide better services, infrastructure, and policy support for PwDs.
Implementation of 30 Local Inclusion Projects
Implementation of 30 Local Inclusion Projects, focused on improving accessibility, employment opportunities, and social integration.
Vocational training and work-integration programs
Vocational training and work-integration programs tailored to the needs of PwDs, helping them secure sustainable employment.
Advocacy and awareness campaigns
Advocacy and awareness campaigns reaching up to 1 million people, promoting the rights and contributions of PwDs in society.
Project Objectives
What are our objectives
Empowered is structured around three key pillars to ensure long-term impact
Regional Cooperation and Policy Advocacy
Strengthening regional and national frameworks for PwD inclusion through high-level policy dialogue and cross-border cooperation.
Local-Level Partnerships
Bringing together government, businesses, and civil society organizations to develop and implement sustainable inclusion initiatives at the municipal level.
Direct Support for PwDs
Providing vocational training, employment opportunities, social services, and accessibility improvements to empower PwDs and support their independence.
Our Mission
Empowered is a regional initiative dedicated to the full and equal inclusion of persons with disabilities across the Western Balkans. By fostering cooperation, dialogue, and joint action, the project enhances the capacities of local communities, institutions, and organizations of persons with disabilities.
Through the active engagement of the public, civil, and private sectors, Empowered promotes accessible education, employment, and social services. The initiative challenges discrimination and removes barriers that affect the daily lives of persons with disabilities.
By developing local inclusion plans, supporting employment opportunities, and launching regional awareness campaigns, we are building long-term, systemic solutions. Empowered envisions a society where everyone has the right to participate, contribute, and be respected.
Key issues that Empowered will address include
- Limited accessibility: Many public buildings, transportation systems, and workplaces remain inaccessible to PwDs, limiting their mobility and independence.
- High unemployment rates: In most Western Balkan countries, over 80% of PwDs are unemployed due to a lack of adapted workplaces, vocational training, and employer awareness.
- Lack of support services: Key services such as personal assistance, accessible education, and adapted healthcare are either unavailable or underfunded, leaving PwDs without essential resources.
- Weak implementation of policies: While national laws align with international disability rights frameworks, enforcement is inconsistent, and many PwDs struggle to access their legal rights.
- Limited regional cooperation: Countries in the Western Balkans often tackle PwD inclusion in isolation, missing out on valuable cross-border knowledge sharing and joint initiatives.
Empowered is designed to fill these gaps by strengthening institutions, fostering regional dialogue, and creating direct opportunities for PwDs in employment, education, and community engagement.
EMPOWERED
WESTERN BALKANS
Empowered – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities is a regional project working to improve the lives of persons with disabilities (PwDs) across the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. Running from September 2024 to April 2028 and led by ASB – Arbeiter Samariter Bund, the project promotes social, economic, and political inclusion through regional cooperation and local action.
It supports the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the EU enlargement process by helping countries adopt and implement inclusive policies.
Vision
The vision of the “Empowered” project is a Western Balkans region where persons with disabilities are equal and active members of society. We aim to create inclusive communities that uphold human rights, eliminate physical and social barriers, and offer equal opportunities for everyone. Our vision encompasses systemic change — from local policies to regional cooperation — that ensures access to education, employment, services, and full participation for persons with disabilities. By empowering individuals and organizations, we build a foundation for sustainable development and a just society where diversity is respected and inclusion becomes a part of everyday life.
Values
The “Empowered” project is grounded in the belief that inclusion is a fundamental right. Every person, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to participate fully and equally in society. At the heart of our work lies the promotion of equality, the respect for human dignity, and the recognition of each individual’s unique strengths and voice. We strive to empower persons with disabilities and their organizations to take active roles in shaping their communities and advocating for their rights. Through strong cooperation between public institutions, civil society, and the private sector, we aim to build sustainable solutions that foster long-term change. Our actions are guided by transparency, accountability, and a commitment to measurable impact. Above all, the project is rooted in the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, upholding human rights as universal, indivisible, and essential for a just society.
Mission
Empowered is a regional initiative dedicated to the full and equal inclusion of persons with disabilities across the Western Balkans. By fostering cooperation, dialogue, and joint action, the project enhances the capacities of local communities, institutions, and organizations of persons with disabilities. Through the active engagement of the public, civil, and private sectors, Empowered promotes accessible education, employment, and social services. The initiative challenges discrimination and removes barriers that affect the daily lives of persons with disabilities. By developing local inclusion plans, supporting employment opportunities, and launching regional awareness campaigns, we are building long-term, systemic solutions. Empowered envisions a society where everyone has the right to participate, contribute, and be respected.
