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Description
Target group, PWDs and people with MS face the problem of violation basic human rights through insufficiently secured architectural and tourist accessibility, and irregular exercise of the right to health rehabilitation.
Main goal of the project is to improve respect and protectionn of the human rights of PWDs by advocating their fundamental rights to equal treatment, while the key activities of the project are advocacy and public campaigns, presenting the work and activities of CSOs and advising the target group.
Multiplier effect of the project is achieved thro the publication of media campaigns in other counties (OBŽ, VŽ, SDŽ) and the distribution of manuals on tourist accessibility to county tourist boards of the Republic of Croatia.
It is also schieved through a conference about the project for general public, website of the Radio 92fm and partners, where pdf versions of the materials created on the project will be available for download.
The radio program produced on the project is multiplied by a eart signal that includes BPŽ and via live streaming of Radio 92fm which is available globally.
Organizational development activities will contribute to strengthening partnership cooperation on the project, as well as for new projects.
The role of the partner and the project is to promote respect for the human rights of PWDs by advocating equal treatment of PWDs, increasing the awareness of the general public about the problems of PWDs. The implementation of project activities, and in particular the application of new approaches, such as providing counseling to PWDs through radio programs "On the air with a psychologist" will contribute to improving the quality of life of victims of human rights violations by informing and empowering PWDs.
Summary of project results
The project "PRESS for ACCESS" aimed to address significant challenges faced by people with disabilities in Slavonski Brod, who encounter barriers that limit their freedom and independence due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of reasonable accommodations. This lack of accessibility results in discrimination across various areas, including restricted access to public services, education, healthcare, and cultural or recreational activities, thus violating their right to equality in society.
A major issue identified was the low awareness and insufficient knowledge among decision-makers about the need for accessibility for people with disabilities. This has led to Slavonski Brod being reported as having 70% of public interest facilities that are inaccessible for people with disabilities. To tackle this, the project sought to raise awareness among public and private sector representatives through education, advocacy campaigns, and public presentations. The aim was to influence decision-makers and the broader public, promoting compliance with relevant conventions, laws, and regulations, and improving the accessibility of healthcare, architectural structures, and tourism.
Another critical challenge was the denial of health rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities and those suffering from multiple sclerosis, despite their legal right to annual rehabilitation. Often, the Health Insurance Institute''s medical committees reject or shorten the recommended rehabilitation periods, thereby infringing upon their right to adequate healthcare.
The project focused on resolving these issues by enhancing public and stakeholder awareness about the rights of people with disabilities. It aimed to promote better infrastructure adjustments and accessibility improvements for public buildings, as well as ensure equal access to healthcare, cultural, and tourist services. Through advocacy campaigns, public events, and consultations with relevant stakeholders, the project sought to advance the rights of people with disabilities and combat discrimination.
The project activities were primarily focused on public awareness raising and advocacy in order to increase the visbilitiy of the issues and challenges faced by people with disabilities in various aspects of the community life.
The advocacy campaign "Do You Want to Change for a Place?" was launched in partnership with the Brodsko-Posavska Police Administration. It included two key meetings: one for planning and another for evaluating. The initial meeting involved strategizing activities, assigning responsibilities, and coordinating with the police on improper parking issues. The follow-up meeting focused on assessing results, such as analyzing survey feedback, placing personalized signs, and hosting a press conference.
Project managers visited locations in Slavonski Brod where parking for people with disabilities (PWD) was frequently violated. Data from surveys conducted by the Brodsko-Posavska CSO Network and Loco-Moto Association helped identify these high-violation areas. Personalized signs were installed, and a press conference informed the public about the campaign''s findings and recommendations. Media coverage extended across several regions, raising awareness and encouraging better parking practices.
The "Health Rehabilitation" campaign began in October 2022 with a survey on PWD''s challenges accessing health services. The results were reviewed by the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities and a workshop was organized with 30 participants, including relevant institutions and CSOs. The workshop emphasized proper treatment of PWD as per the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Recommendations for improving health rehabilitation access were sent to health authorities in January 2023. Responses from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund detailed access conditions and offered further assistance, while the Ministry of Health requested a report on actions taken.
In January 2023, the "Architectural Accessibility" campaign focused on improving accessibility for PWD. Surveys and a workshop with 30 participants highlighted issues and successes in urban accessibility. Recommendations for making buildings, especially public ones, more accessible were sent to local and national authorities in March 2023. A multiplier effect was achieved through a workshop with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Sisak-Moslavina County, leading to accessibility improvements in a local store in Slavonski Brod.
The "Tourist Accessibility" campaign, starting in April 2023, aimed to enhance tourist accessibility. A survey of local tourist and cultural facilities preceded a workshop with 25 participants, including tourism experts. A report and guide on accessible tourism were prepared and distributed to regional tourist boards. A local tourist program for PWD was tested with 6 participants, including visits to key sites in Slavonski Brod, ensuring accessibility.
A media campaign for health rehabilitation included a radio show, radio drama, jingle, web article, and social media post. Similarly, the architectural accessibility campaign featured a radio show, radio drama, jingle, web article, social media post, and a promotional video. The video highlighted accessibility practices and was shared widely.
The project achieved notable results, particularly benefiting individuals with disabilities and those suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). It made a significant impact by improving the quality of life and social inclusion for individuals with disabilities and MS. Through advocacy campaigns, media projects, and support services, participants were able to voice their concerns and contribute to societal change. The project also strengthened the capacity of participating NGOs, enhancing their ability to operate effectively and paving the way for future collaborative efforts. Here’s an overview of the outcomes and impacts:
The Health Rehabilitation Advocacy Campaign worked to spotlight the challenges faced by people with disabilities and MS in accessing health services. By gathering personal experiences and recommendations, the project developed proposals for improving these services, which were presented to the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) and the Ministry of Health. This advocacy led to a positive response from HZZO, which acknowledged the issues and agreed to collaborate, and the Ministry directed HZZO to prepare a detailed report based on the recommendations.
The Architectural Accessibility Advocacy Campaign focused on enhancing accessibility in buildings for people with disabilities and MS. The project compiled experiences and suggestions to create recommendations for decision-makers in Brod-Posavina and Sisak-Moslavina Counties. While direct responses were limited, an indirect success was achieved when a local store in Slavonski Brod improved its entrance to make it accessible.
The Tourist Accessibility Advocacy Campaign aimed to address barriers faced by people with disabilities and MS in accessing tourism facilities. It distributed recommendations and a guide on accessible tourism to tourist boards across Croatia. Printed guides were placed in tourist information centers, and a digital version was made available online. This initiative raised awareness about accessible tourism and provided practical resources for improvement.
Media campaigns produced by the project, including radio programs and dramas, raised public awareness about the issues faced by people with disabilities. These campaigns reached several regions (Osijek-Baranja, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, and Split-Dalmatia) and surveys showed an increase in public consciousness regarding disability issues.
The project also used radio broadcasts to inform listeners about various NGOs and their work, enhancing public knowledge about the support available for vulnerable groups across different regions.
In addition, the project provided psychological support through radio programs, helping individuals share their experiences and receive guidance on dealing with discrimination. This initiative fostered a supportive environment for discussing human rights issues and offered mental health benefits to participants.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral partnership significantly enhanced the project through the collaborative efforts on public campaigns. Artepunkt Skandinavia, the donor project partner, played a crucial role by providing external services for directing, scripting, and producing radio dramas, as well as coordinating activities. Their extensive international experience and examples of best practices strengthened the other project partners, preparing them for future international collaborations. In turn, the remaining partners contributed their valuable experience working with the target group.This exchange of knowledge and collaboration laid a solid foundation for future joint efforts on similar projects. The partnership not only enriched the project but also set the stage for continued cooperation and growth in future endeavors.