In Viciebsk, in the framework of the training course "Enhancing the institutional capacity of organizations and initiatives that develop special services in the local community" was a training on the theme of the creation of a partner network (networking) and the subject of the independent living of people with disabilities.
Training was organized by the "Office on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" in cooperation with the Lithuanian organization "Mental Health Perspectives."
The event was attended by representatives of the territorial centers of social service areas of Viciebsk, city center Correction and Development Training, International Public Association of rehabilitation of teenagers, the disabled and the elderly, as well as other public organizations.
Two days of training expert from the "European Network of Independent Living" (Brussels) Frank Siyun told Viciebsk citizens that this partner network, how to create it, that it is necessary for its effective management, and what are the main advantages and problems of its functioning. In addition, the present learned about the experience of European countries in promoting independent living.
The first thing Frank Siyun stressed, is that all people with disabilities are able to live apart, regardless of their status.
– Independent living – it is an opportunity to make a choice: where, how and with whom to live. If we talk about Belgium, that is, things that work, but there are those who still need to fix.
Among the good that can be said about my country – in Belgium is a special budget, then there is a special financial assistance for independent living. For example, I have the money to hire someone who will go with me to Georgia and will help me. Therefore, having the opportunity, I can come to you and do such things as training, that is, to make their choices in life and do something for yourself. And it is important that the state pays this money is not some kind of organization, but directly to the person I hired.
But not so perfect European system with regard to the independent living of persons with disabilities, as it seems at first glance.
– Yes, with this budget, I can make my personal choice – continues the expert – namely, who to hire, when and why. But on the other hand, for example, public transport is not available to me, I can't get on the bus or on the train and go somewhere. That is, to have had the opportunity to live independently, I should someone help. It will also be a space that will allow me to move.
Also among the issues named Frank decrease in funds for the budget, which in Europe are now linked to the saving mode. In other words, the waiting list for help became longer.
– Yes, there are good things in our system, but it needs to be improved, – concluded the expert.
He told about his own experience of the problems that he had to face.
– I went to public school. When finished elementary and moved into the middle, I was recommended to go to a special. In the special school I studied for one year, but then returned to normal.
When I wanted to work, I was asked if I was sure I wanted this since I have a disability allowance, and if I start to work, you lose part of it. That is the focus that you have some other and you need special assistance – is, of course, does not always help.
Regarding the implementation of the idea of independent living, the first thing should be normal that people with disabilities, for example, goes to a regular school, going to the cinema, works just like any other person, that is, there is no separation.
Details examining the theme of independent living, the Belgian raised and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, happily noting that this year it has ratified and Belarus. But even if the Convention as Siyun said Europe's problems remain.
– Now, after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, there are some changes – said the expert. – But it's not only a structural problem, it is still a problem in the minds of people, how they think.
"The problem is in the minds of the people" – that is one of the main conclusions of this training. Yes, learn to create a partner network, to improve their knowledge and so forth – all this is very necessary. But even more important to understand what our (and Belgium, and Belarus, and other countries) the main problem hampering further development.
Elizabeth Zolotnova
