Help young people with disabilities

Young people with disabilities still face challenges due to lack of support, inaccessible environment and lack of understanding of their needs, and although the development of an application for mapping accessible locations in Montenegro has improved their position, it is necessary to work on systemic solutions for complete inclusion.

This was announced yesterday at the Conference on improving the position of people with disabilities, with a special emphasis on young people with disabilities in society, organized by the Association of Disabled Youth of Montenegro (UMHCG).

President of the UMHCG Assembly Miloš Ranitović he said that, although there are certain efforts and initiatives aimed at improving the position of young people with disabilities, they still face many challenges, as evidenced by the latest report of the European Commission.

Ranitović reminded that the goal of UMHCG is to constantly work on improving the position of young people with disabilities.

"We are especially proud of the development of a mobile application that maps accessible locations throughout Montenegro. This application is not only a technological tool, but a tool that enables young people with disabilities greater mobility, independence and inclusion in social flows", said Ranitović.

Deputy Mayor of the Capital City Luka Rakcevic said that there is significant room for improving the situation and that everyone has a moral and legal obligation to help overcome obstacles.

Rakčević said that it is necessary to work more on spatial accessibility.

"It is necessary to approach the systemic solution of the problems of people with disabilities, instead of ad hoc solutions. There are successful practices that are already implemented in the countries of the region and the European Union, and Montenegro should follow their example in order to fundamentally improve the position of people with disabilities in Podgorica and throughout the country," said Rakčević.

During the panel "Position of persons with disabilities, especially young people with an emphasis on inclusion in decision-making processes", project assistant at the Association of the Blind of Montenegro Andjela Dragovic she said that the situation is still not satisfactory when it comes to the rights of young people with disabilities.

"The data show that young people with disabilities are still not at the level of independence compared to others. They face a series of challenges that influence their decision to become independent and take control of their lives, while they often do not have the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from their mistakes," said Dragović.