Freedom drive is a very important event, because it helps us manage our lives and feel free.
This was said at today's Freedom Drive by the executive director of the Association of Disabled Youth of Montenegro (UMHCG), Marina Vujačić.
As she said, the solution is not in the institutions but in the community.
"Support should be provided to people with disabilities. Let it be that Montenegrin institutions are not solutions when they do not work the way they should and when they do not include people with disabilities... Today, modern types of crimes are carried out by endangering people with disabilities through spontaneous decisions. In that name, Montenegrin institutions are not a solution if they work in such a way," she said.
Vujacic said that she would be very happy to cooperate with the future Government if they were invited in the right way.
"We need the choice to make independent decisions, to live, but also to make mistakes. These are all philosophical and life principles... Montenegrin families don't get support from institutions either," she said.
She said that she will criticize the government's decisions when they finance "the projects of thugs, at the cost of everything".
"If we are not there and if we do not speak, conclusions are drawn that we do not exist and that we have no obstacles, which are disastrous conclusions," said Vujacic.
The President of the Assembly of the Capital City, Jelena Borovinić Bojović, said that the Freedom drive is important, because it raises awareness of togetherness.
"The inclusion of society when it comes to people with disabilities has progressed, but a lot can still be done... My personal political goal is to create a society of equal opportunities regardless of religion, nation and gender. I'm not here to just give you support, but also to fight with you. Your goals are also mine. UMHCG is a very agile society in its struggle, and the Assembly of the Capital City is always open to you and your proposals..." said Borovinić Bojović.
He believes that during today's walk, he will become better acquainted with the problems faced by individuals with disabilities.
"Institutions are not the solution", "Self-determination is my right", "Personal assistance is our existence" and "Strong, proud, visible", are just some of the banners. The meeting was attended by several councilors of the Capital City Assembly, such as Saša Zeković, Tanja Popović, Vojislav Šimun..., as well as UNICEF representatives.
The walk is from the plateau between the Library and the Assembly of the Capital City to the Roman Square.
"The Ministry wants to improve cooperation with PWDs"
Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Darko Stojanović, said that the department wants to improve cooperation with persons with disabilities.
"We respect the UMHCG and we are here to take into account all their criticisms and suggestions. I want to emphasize that as the 43rd Government, we have done everything that the complex political possibilities allowed. We can do more, and we need to do better," said Stojanović, adding that Montenegrin institutions must be better.
Macanović: Difficult life for PWDs in Montenegro
The executive director of the Association of the Blind of Montenegro, Goran Macanović, said that PWDs have a difficult life in Montenegro.
"I'm talking about the activities of the previous government. The situation of PWDs is not good. We pointed out that every day. Everyone knows very well, and when they got angry with us, they didn't succeed. They had to approach modern ways to blunt our criticism, so they sometimes resorted to deception, but the truth always comes out," said Macanović.
When it comes to independent living, it is clear what the state should do to help these people.
"... Society is obliged to provide them with support services for life in the community. Montenegro does not introduce new support conditions into the system with bad policies. Some successful support services remain without funds. Why is this all like this? I deeply believe that it is due to the bad approach of the state and society towards PWD," he said.
Bonus video:
