The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was marked with a formal reception in the Assembly hall of the City Administration in Smederevo.
As a reminder, this day has been marked worldwide every 3 December since 1992, when the United Nations proclaimed it in order to draw public attention to the position of persons with disabilities in society, and to promote their abilities and a social approach to disability.
“Our city allocates significant funds for the work of organisations, as well as for social protection services, which to a great extent change the quality of life of persons with disabilities and enable them to remain part of the community and to live independently,” said Ivana Gvozdenović, Secretary of the City Union of Social and Humanitarian Organisations, recalling that without the City’s support it would not be possible to resolve the many problems and needs faced by persons with disabilities, of whom there are around 13,000 in Smederevo.
“In the past period, the City of Smederevo has taken important steps towards improving the accessibility of public areas and institutions, supporting numerous social services, and in the employment, education and healthcare of vulnerable social groups, especially persons with disabilities.
Under the budget plan for next year, the local government will co-finance programmes in the field of social protection of persons with disabilities with RSD 23 million, which is three million dinars more than in the year now ending.
In the Strategy for the Development of Social Protection in the City of Smederevo until 2027, we have set out a series of measures, activities and new projects that will contribute to an even better position for persons with disabilities, the development of intergenerational solidarity and the promotion of volunteering.
We want to encourage the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making and in the implementation of local programmes, in the work of advisory bodies, and in public consultations and consultations on the drafting of strategic documents, because that is the only way to build together an inclusive society in which every person will feel safe, supported and respected,” the Mayor, Jasmina Vojinović, said at the ceremony.
