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Description
Based on 15 years of work experience in the field of inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the community and on the open labour market, we found that people with intellectual disabilities are not sufficiently empowered to accomplish their constitutionally guaranteed right to work in inclusive conditions, and they have specific needs for individualized and personally oriented support. We noticed a lack of public and employer awareness of the work capacity of people with intellectual disabilities and the possibilities and benefits of their involvement in regular work processes. With the proposed project activities and expected results, reaching as well underdeveloped / deprived areas, project results will contribute in case of strengthening and networking the civil society organizations that work for the benefit of people with intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities, as a vulnerable group, will be more informed and empowered to have easier access to the open labour market, and to be include in the life of the community, inclusive volunteering or having more work activities and chances on the open labour market. With project results we aim for increase of their social inclusion and the quality of their life in the community. Citizens and employers will be more aware of the work capacities of people with intellectual disabilities and the opportunities, benefits and the importance of their involvement in work processes in the open labour market. The proposed project proposal contributes to civic participation, social cohesion, the development of a more humane and equal democratic society, which is inclusive and open to its fellow citizens with intellectual disabilities.
Summary of project results
On the basis of 15 years of continuous activity in the field of inclusion of persons with disabilities in the community through the realization of the right to work, CIRA determined that peoples with disabilities are not sufficiently empowered to realize their guaranteed right to work in inclusive conditions, i.e. on the open labor market, due to insufficient civic awareness and civil engagement of society, which should enable the conditions for this. This is the main problem that the proposed project is trying to solve.
A public campaign was carried out with the aim of sensitizing and strengthening the awareness of citizens and employers about work capacities and the possibilities and advantages of including people with intellectual disabilities. We held a round table on the topic "Employing people with intellectual disabilities". 86 persons with intellectual disabilities were included in the empowerment and they were systematically provided with support. We have launched Two initiatives to advise the persons with disabilities on the legislative framework and public policies. In the City of Zagreb is established The first counseling center, whose services were used by 20 persons and were informed about the possibilities of inclusion in the world of work and community life. 5 online educations were held on the relevant legislative framework and public policies in the area of social problems and employment of persons with disabilities.
We have established an informal network of 8 CSOs (3 partner and 5 collaborative organizations) from the Republic of Croatia for comprehensive information and counseling of persons with intellectual disabilities on relevant legislation and public policies in the field of social welfare and employment of persons with disabilities
We empowered 20 people with intellectual disabilities for easier access to the open labor market and to increase their social inclusion and quality of life in the community
We made citizens and employers aware of the working capacities of persons with disabilities and the possibilities and advantages of including them in work processes on the open labor market