NGO "Mozaik" celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

We must not allow people with disabilities (PWD) to be talked about and thought about only on December 3. We are part of society 365 days a year. Our rights, needs and contribution to the community must not be a topic only on special dates, but a priority throughout the year. That is why the key is to provide system support that is sustainable, comprehensive and adapted to our needs. This means the adaptation of public spaces, the availability of education, employment, health care and all other segments that form the basis of a dignified life. Systemic support is not humanity, it is not a luxury, it is not goodwill, but an obligation, it is a reflection of our society and our values", said Blagoje Šturanović, executive director of the non-governmental organization (NGO) "Mozaik", at the event organized by that NGO on the occasion of celebrating the International Day OSI.

As he pointed out, the members of "Mozaik" believe and prove that change is possible, that PWDs are equal members of society, with invaluable contributions that they can make only if they are seen, recognized and supported. He reminded of the truly great and noteworthy results achieved by that NGO in the previous three years - from the opening of the first social club for PWDs, the first fashion show for people with disabilities, through the largest mural in the city, to a film that talks about the possibilities of women with disabilities.

"We showed that beauty is in diversity and that disability does not define the limits of one's talent and strength. That is why in the past three years, together with our partners and the community, we have worked to break down physical, social and the most difficult barriers in people's minds. This is not only a day to remember the successes, but also to remind the responsibility we all have to be an ally, a supporter and a voice for inclusion. Let us show with our actions that people with disabilities do not need to adapt to society, but that society should become accessible and inclusive for everyone," said Šturanović.

Goran Macanović, executive director of the Association of the Blind of Montenegro, pointed out that PWDs do not have problems, only challenges, and that the biggest challenge is the awareness of people without disabilities, society, and decision-makers.

"We are trying to influence change towards people with disabilities, from that merciful, pitiful approach that sees the PWD as a problem, because of their disability. Their disability is only a personal characteristic, which does not make them any less valuable persons compared to others. Until we change our attitude towards disability, we will hardly make progress in removing physical barriers," said Macanović.

He also pointed out that they are trying to change the attitude of decision-makers when it comes to the rights of PWDs, and that the decisions they make are not to meet the needs of people with disabilities, "but to meet themselves and the community they represent." .

"The municipality of Nikšić is trying to help us change that approach towards people with disabilities. Many initiatives that have been initiated and are being initiated in the Municipality of Nikšić in the past few years contribute to our efforts to change that, and all this gives me hope that the Municipality does not look at PWDs through the aspect of social care and protection, but to include PWDs in all areas of life," said Macanović.

The President of the Municipality, Marko Kovačević, emphasized that the task of local self-government representatives is to be partners in creating a community where no one will be left out or excluded.

"I am proud to say that the Municipality of Nikšić has taken significant steps in this direction. Thanks to the strengthening of cooperation with associations such as 'Mozaik', we were able to realize several initiatives that directly contribute to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. I would especially like to point out the introduction of free transport for PWDs, which is of great importance for their mobility and independence, we assigned them offices in the immediate vicinity of Technopolis, which provided conditions for their easier work and mutual cooperation, we supported the opening of the social club 'Adapt', which is not only a space for socializing, but also a place where inclusive ideas and joint projects are developed", said Kovačević.

At the end of next year, they plan to establish the Secretariat for PWDs, and in the meantime they will start establishing the Municipal Council for Persons with Disabilities.

"I believe that the inclusion of representatives of associations and citizens with disabilities is key to identifying and addressing the problems they face. The council will be the voice of this part of our community and a platform for dialogue that will help us build a better Nikšić together. We are aware that this is just the beginning. We still have a lot of work to do, but I can promise that we will continue to work with the same enthusiasm and dedication. "Our society must be such that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities for participation, development and fulfillment of their potential," Kovačević said.

The President of the Municipal Assembly (SO) of Nikšić, Nemanja Vuković, pointed out that for more than three years, the local self-government, through cooperation with organizations and individuals dealing with the position of PWDs, has been "trying and succeeding in improving their position".

"Nikšić is becoming more and more accessible and inclusive every day, because, giving rooms, donating vehicles, introducing services, adapting local infrastructure, installing tactile strips, Braille stickers and sound systems on traffic lights, beautiful murals that decorated our city, and much more yet, they are only proof of that. In the coming year, we plan to become the first municipality in Montenegro that will own a goalball club, where we will work together with them on the affirmation of that sport and the inclusion and provision of opportunities to all PWDs who are interested in playing that sport, because our goalball team makes great results that we can all be proud of," Vuković pointed out.

According to him, the challenges faced by PWDs are large and complex, but "the creativity and enthusiasm they show every day in the fight against bad practices and prejudices, their determination to be active participants in the process of making and creating decisions, are worthy of admiration and respect." .

"It is not uncommon for wheelchair users to come to the aid of another person much faster than those who do not have similar limitations. People with poor vision or hearing - often see, hear and recognize the problems of others better. With their attitude and engagement, they have earned the respect and trust of our entire community. Their achievements are the most vivid evidence that no one has the right to be skeptical about the ability of people with disabilities to independently make the most important decisions and act actively in all spheres", said Vuković and said that he will continue to be a partner to everyone who is ready to they invest their own knowledge, energy and time in improving the quality of life of all citizens of Nikšić.

"We have all heard, countless times, that 'harmony builds a house.' This is how, I am convinced, our harmony will build our Nikšić as a house equally spacious, comfortable and warm for all its citizens. A city tailored to all of us", concluded the president of the SO.

The panel "Visibility and Empowerment: New Perspectives on Disability" was also held as part of the event.

The Vice President of the Municipality, Mitar Goranović, said that the local administration is trying to improve the position of PWDs and that many positive examples show that "the situation has moved in a positive direction". He reminded that the numerous activities implemented by the local administration in the previous three years, tactile strips at the entrance to the Municipality, offices marked with stickers in Braille, lowering curbs for easier movement of the disabled, sound traffic lights at 12 intersections, provided parking space (5 % is the legal regulation, in Nikšić 8%) is provided...

Nardi Ahmetović, executive director of the NGO Center for the Affirmation of the RE Population, said that this NGO is trying to open its doors to all communities whose rights are threatened and which are neglected in some way, not only Roma and Egyptians. As he pointed out, they have been implementing projects related to PWD for almost two years, and last year they employed one person with a disability, and now they are working with three who have a work engagement for the next six months.

"Challenges are there, but we as a society must show much greater affirmation through positive examples. We can talk, but we need to show through actions that we are working, because actions speak and bring results", said Ahmetović.

The event was organized as part of the "Strengthen, activate, engage" project, which is supported through the "Supported = Empowered" program, within the grant scheme "Active participation" implemented by the Fund for Active Citizenship in partnership with the Foundation for Local Community Development "Slagalica" " from Croatia. The program is financed by the EU and co-financed by the Ministry of Public Administration.