GETting persons with disabilities INcluded in civil society and democratic life

forthcoming

The project covers 5 countries (HR, SI, IT, RS, IRE) & 10 towns (Cestica, Vinica & Ludbreg in HR, Sežana & Brkini, SI; Leitrim County, IRE, Cavriago & Torino, IT, Ruma & Sremska Mitrovica, RS). All of the communities in the project have faced similar issues re: the inclusion of persons with intellectual & physical disabilities (PwDs) in democratic life. The project aims to enhance citizen engagement in civil society actions and the democratic processes that enhance equal opportunities and social inclusion of PwDs, and foster deeper understanding of the EU's policy and democratic challenges connected to their rights (in line w/priority 1). The project considers the need to eliminate discrimination to PwDs, to enhance citizen engagement and volunteering in related actions, to ensure that EU policies are incorporated into local-level actions, and that CSOs & local government work more closely on actions related to the rights of PwDs. The project includes 6 3-day events (530 direct participants). Each event shows how citizens address rights of PwDs (re: employment, education, housing, civil protection, health, culture, etc.). The activities are designed so partners gain inputs from citizens about the Europe they want. The project will emphasize how solidarity functions; and how the EU agenda upholds the rights of PwDs. Workshops, presentations, site visits, group work & demonstrations encourage volunteering and enhance understanding about how engagement in actions contributes to democratic life. The communications (incl. citizens’ toolkit) will inform 300000 citizens (indirect participants) on how they can volunteer and contribute to the social inclusion of PwDs. The cooperation agreement defines the partners’ ongoing priorities & future projects. In this way, citizens will gain capacities to prepare & participate in actions, improve awareness on how EU policies/values function; and cooperation among entities working to achieve social inclusion will be solidified.