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The project “Advocating for the Rights of Persons with Invisible Disabilities” was realised from October 2024 to May 2025.
The most significant impacts of the project include greater respect for the rights of people with invisible disabilities and the integration of the disability concept in the development of public policies.
Key project results include:
Improvement of the rights and status of persons with invisible disabilities in one of the areas covered by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Increased visibility of the rights and position of persons with invisible disabilities.
A group of 12 young persons with disabilities was empowered to plan and implement public advocacy campaigns.
Journalists from the Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS) and participants of the Web Journalism School were trained to investigate the factors affecting the status of persons whose disabilities are not recognized under standard disability categories, and to promote their rights in the media.
Visibility of persons at risk of social exclusion due to invisible disabilities was increased among the general public and decision-makers.
The project activities were carried out in Belgrade and Zlatibor.
The project partner was the Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS).
The project was supported by the Belgrade Open School (BOŠ), as part of the program “Youth and Media for Democratic Development – MAY4DD,” implemented with the support of Sweden. The program aims to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the promotion of human rights in Serbia through independent media reporting and youth civil society activism.
The project “Peer Support in the Work of Youth and Student Organizations” was realised from October 2024 to March 2025.
The most significant impact of the project is the development and improvement of practical support mechanisms for young people with disabilities within student and youth organizations, as well as the development of competencies of student activists and youth workers to include young people with disabilities. This aims to increase the participation of young people with disabilities in student and youth activism and improve their social inclusion.
Project results include:
Identified needs for support among student and youth organizations to better include young people with disabilities in their activities.
18 student and youth organizations, along with youth offices, were sensitized about the importance of including young people with disabilities in society.
Increased level of social inclusion and reduced social barriers towards young people with disabilities.
The public in local communities has heightened awareness about the importance and development of social inclusion and participation of young people with disabilities.
Recommendations were created to strengthen the capacities of student and youth organizations to include young people with disabilities in their activities.
Greater involvement of young people with disabilities in the social life of youth through participation in scientific, cultural, recreational, and sports events and activities.
Student representatives in student parliaments advocate for the interests of young people with disabilities at higher education institutions.
The project activities were realised in Belgrade.
The project was supported by the City of Belgrade – City Administration of the City of Belgrade.
The project “Inclusive Policies for the Participation of Young People with Disabilities in the Work of Youth Offices 2024” was realised from June to December 2024.
The most significant impact of the project is the establishment of standards in the work of youth offices to ensure equal and active participation of young people with disabilities in youth work at the local level.
Project results include:
8 staff members or activists from youth offices were empowered to implement inclusive policies that support young people with disabilities in promoting social inclusion in their local communities and in developing peer support services.
At least 4 youth activists (including at least 2 with disabilities) were empowered to promote social inclusion and mentor active youth inclusion teams.
7 high school students with disabilities were trained to take on the role of social inclusion promoters.
4 high school students without disabilities were trained to act as social inclusion promoters.
Continued development of active youth inclusion teams for the implementation of promotional and educational activities.
Support was provided to active youth inclusion teams in preparing activities to promote social inclusion in local communities.
Youth offices became more engaged in supporting young people with disabilities within their local communities.
5 promotional and educational activities were implemented in local communities.
Increased awareness among young people with disabilities from local communities about various forms of support available in higher education, employment, and youth work.
Increased awareness among youth in local communities about the importance of social inclusion of young people with disabilities.
The Manual on Inclusive Standards in Youth Work was updated and promoted.
A greater number of inclusive policies for involving young people with disabilities in the work of youth offices were adopted.
Project activities were carried out across the Republic of Serbia, in the following locations: Belgrade, Zlatibor, Prijepolje, Loznica, Požega, and Čačak.
The project partner was the National Youth Office.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Youth.
Realization of the project (Youth and journalists for better access to inclusion of persons with disabilities) is in the period from September 1 2023 to May 31 2024.
The most significant impacts of the project are improving the media image of people with disabilities and increasing the capacity of actors in the media space to create a socially positive access to people with disabilities in order to contribute to improving the realization of the rights of young people with disabilities in the process of developing an inclusive society.
The expected most significant results of the project are:
Established network of journalists with the goal of promoting social inclusion;
Empowered journalists, journalism students and young people with disabilities to promote a socially positive approach to people with disabilities in the media and
Increased representation of affirmative media content in the public about persons with disabilities.
Project activities are implemented in Belgrade, Novi sad and Niš.
The project is supported by the Belgrade open school (BOS), which with Sweden’s support realizes program “Young and media for democratic development”which aims to contribute to the strengthening of democracy, the rule of law and the improvement of human rights in Serbia, through independent media reporting and the activism of civil society organizations for youth.
Work of the Academic inclusive association (AIA) supports Sweden through the program of Belgrade open school “Young and media for democratic development”.
The realization of project “Development of inclusive policy standards for inclusion of young people with disabilities in the youth offices activities” is in the period from August to December 2022.
The most significant impact of the project is the development of inclusive policy standards for the inclusion of young people with disabilities in the activities of youth offices, as well as raising the capacity of youth offices to support young people with disabilities in promoting social inclusion in local communities and the development of peer support services.
The expected most significant results of the project are:
Six employees or activists of youth offices are empowered for applying inclusive policies that ensure support for young people with disabilities in promoting social inclusion in local communities and developing peer support services;
Eight high school students with disabilities were empowered to have role as promoters of social inclusion;
Six high school students without disabilities were empowered to have role as promoters of social inclusion;
Six employees or youth office activists are empowered to support high school students with and without disabilities to be promoters of social inclusion in the local community
Six youth offices have empowered young people with disabilities as resources in the implementation of activities;
Youth offices are more active in supporting young people with disabilities in their local community.
Provided support of active youth inclusive teams in the preparation of activities for the promotion of social inclusion in local communities.
Realization of 5 promotional or educational activities in local communities.
Information of young people with disabilities from local communities about different types of support in the fields of higher education, employment and youth work.
Realized campaign on social networks.
Representatives of 20 interested actors of youth policies (state and non-governmental organizations and institutions) from the national and local level were introduced to the results of the project and recommendations of practical policies in the work and support for young people with disabilities.
The project activities are implemented in republic of Serbia, at the following locations: Belgrade, Zlatibor, Ivanjica, Bajina bašta, Čačak, Kragujevac and Knić.
Partner on this project is National youth offices association.
The project is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Youth.
The project “Inclusive policy school in Youth Work” was implemented from May 2022 to November 2022.
The most significant impact of the project is the improvement of practical support mechanisms for young people with disabilities in youth organizations and the development of competencies among youth workers to include young people with disabilities, enabling greater participation of young people with disabilities in youth activism and improving their social inclusion.
Project results include:
Identified needs for supporting youth organizations to include young people with disabilities in their activities.
Youth activists in local community youth organizations were empowered to plan and organize programs and activities that ensure equal participation of young people with disabilities.
10 youth organizations and youth offices were sensitized to the importance of including young people with disabilities in society.
Increased level of social inclusion and reduced social barriers toward young people with disabilities.
The public in local communities has increased awareness of the importance and development of social inclusion and participation of young people with disabilities.
Created recommendations for strengthening the capacities of youth organizations to include young people with disabilities in their activities.
Project activities were carried out in Belgrade.
The project was supported by the City of Belgrade – City Administration of Belgrade, Youth Office.
The project “Dialogue for Increased Inclusivity of Civil Society Organization (CSO) Project Activities in Local Communities” was realised from October 2022 to September 2023.
The most significant impact of the project was the adoption of inclusive policies in the form of additional criteria in public calls for project proposals issued by cities and municipalities. These criteria encouraged civil society organizations and other actors to include support services for participants with fewer opportunities in their project designs.
Key project results include:
The number of project calls issued by city administrations in 5 cities was identified, along with the number of inclusive criteria featured in those calls.
Key stakeholders contributed to the development of inclusive criteria for local self-government (LSG) project calls.
11 city administrations from 4 cities actively participated in efforts to increase the inclusivity of project calls.
Indicators for the implementation of inclusive criteria were established.
Increased understanding among civil society organizations of their social responsibility and the importance of applying inclusive criteria.
Enhanced capacity of civil society organizations to budget for support services.
Increased public awareness of the importance of inclusive criteria.
Project activities were carried out in Belgrade, Novi Pazar, Novi Sad, Kragujevac, and Niš.
The project partner was GAJP (Group for Policy Analysis and Creation).
The project was supported by BOŠ (Belgrade Open School) through the “Dialogue for Change” program.
The project “Taxi Transport for All!” was implemented from March 2022 to February 2023.
The most significant impact of the project was the promotion of accessible taxi transport for persons with disabilities through the development of inclusive policies. These policies were proposed to be added by local authorities to the existing criteria for issuing licenses to taxi associations and other transport service providers.
Project results include:
Identification of the number of taxi service providers and adapted taxi vehicles in the territory of the City of Belgrade.
Identification of the number and percentage of accessible vehicles in regular public transport.
Assessment of potential discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of taxi services.
Active involvement and contribution of key stakeholders to the development of inclusive public policies.
Increased awareness among key actors about social responsibility and the importance of applying inclusive public policies to improve the social position of persons with disabilities in Belgrade.
Development of proposals for inclusive policies in public transport.
Raised awareness among the general public and stakeholders about the importance of support for persons with disabilities.
Project activities were carried out in Belgrade.
The project was supported by Civic Initiatives through the program “ACT – Together for an Active Civil Society.”
The project “Mentoring of Active Inclusive Youth Teams in Local Communities” was implemented from April 2022 to December 2022.
The most significant impact of the project is the empowerment of high school students with disabilities to advocate for their rights and potentially continue their education after school, as well as providing multi-level support to students with disabilities. Additionally, it strengthened the capacities of youth offices to support young people with disabilities in promoting social inclusion in local communities and developing peer support services.
The key results of the project are:
4 practitioners were empowered to promote social inclusion and mentor active inclusive youth teams.
6 high school students with disabilities were empowered to act as promoters of social inclusion.
6 high school students without disabilities were empowered to act as promoters of social inclusion.
6 youth office employees or activists were empowered to support high school students with and without disabilities to become promoters of social inclusion in the local community.
6 youth offices have empowered young people with disabilities as resources for carrying out activities.
Continuous development of active inclusive youth teams for the active implementation of promotional and educational activities.
Youth offices became more active in providing support to young people with disabilities in their local communities.
Support was provided to active inclusive youth teams in preparing activities to promote social inclusion in local communities.
6 promotional or educational activities were implemented in local communities.
Young people with disabilities from local communities were informed about various types of support in higher education, employment, and youth work.
A promotional video spot was created.
A social media campaign was implemented.
Representatives of 20 interested youth policy stakeholders (from governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions at national and local levels) were introduced to the project results and practical policy recommendations for working with and supporting youth with disabilities.
Project activities were implemented across the Republic of Serbia, in the following locations: Belgrade, Zlatibor, Čačak, Kragujevac, Raška, Šabac, and Loznica.
The partner on this project is the National Youth Office.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The project “Dialogue for the Development of Inclusive Policies Regarding the School and University Student Standard for Students with Disabilities in Local Communities” was implemented from August 2021 to September 2022.
The most significant impact of the project is the establishment of a dialogue for supporting school and university students with disabilities in exercising their rights to support provided by local government units, and inclusive policies adopted by more than 35 local government units.
The key results of the project are:
Identification of the number of local government units that award scholarships to school and university students and the level of accessibility of these scholarships for students with disabilities.
Examples of good practices in the application of inclusive policies in local government units.
Increased awareness among the public and key stakeholders about the importance of supporting persons with disabilities.
Active participation and contribution of key stakeholders in developing inclusive public policies for local government units. Awareness among key stakeholders about social responsibility and the importance of applying inclusive public policies for the social position of school and university students with disabilities.
Improved capacity of local government unit employees to apply public inclusive policies.
Project activities were carried out in Belgrade, Valjevo, Novi Sad, Niš, Smederevo, Kraljevo, Vrnjačka Banja, and Zlatibor.
The project partner is GAJP (Group for the Analysis and Creation of Public Policies).
The project is supported by BOŠ (Belgrade Open School) through the program “Dialogue of Change.”
The project “Inclusive policy school in Youth Work” was implemented from May 2022 to November 2022.
The most significant impact of the project is the improvement of practical support mechanisms for young people with disabilities in youth organizations and the development of competencies among youth workers to include young people with disabilities, enabling greater participation of young people with disabilities in youth activism and improving their social inclusion.
Project results include:
Identified needs for supporting youth organizations to include young people with disabilities in their activities.
Youth activists in local community youth organizations were empowered to plan and organize programs and activities that ensure equal participation of young people with disabilities.
10 youth organizations and youth offices were sensitized to the importance of including young people with disabilities in society.
Increased level of social inclusion and reduced social barriers toward young people with disabilities.
The public in local communities has increased awareness of the importance and development of social inclusion and participation of young people with disabilities.
Created recommendations for strengthening the capacities of youth organizations to include young people with disabilities in their activities.
Project activities were carried out in Belgrade.
The project was supported by the City of Belgrade – City Administration of Belgrade, Youth Office.
The project “CHOOSE TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT” was implemented from March 2022 to June 2022.
The most significant impact of the project was informing and motivating young people with disabilities about the importance of exercising their voting rights and their active participation in the electoral process.
Key project results include:
A campaign was carried out to motivate and inform young people with disabilities.
Increased interaction among young people with disabilities on the topic of voting.
A promotional video was recorded featuring actor Tihomir Arsić.
Data collected on the number of persons with disabilities who exercised their right to vote with support.
Records of persons with disabilities who were unable to vote due to inaccessibility or lack of necessary support.
The project was implemented in Belgrade.
The project was supported by IFES (International Foundation for Electoral Systems) through the implementation of the “Empowering Citizens through Voter Education” program.
The project “Inclusive Political Generations of Youth” was implemented from October 2021 to May 2022.
The most significant impact of the project is raising awareness among the general and political public about young people with disabilities as socially and politically active actors in community political and social activism.
The main results of the project are:
Increased participation of young people with disabilities in activist activities and work within political parties and movements.
Acceptance of social inclusion as a social value in the work of political parties and movements.
Improved quality and quantity of reporting on young people with disabilities.
Increased understanding of the concept of social inclusion and its application in the work of political parties and movements.
12 young people with disabilities were educated and empowered for activist engagement.
12 young people with disabilities were empowered and motivated for political activism.
More than 30 specialized media contents were created focusing on the position, rights, and activist activities of persons with disabilities.
Visibility of content regarding the position of young people with disabilities and the necessity of participation in public life and political organization was enabled.
Project activities were carried out in Belgrade and Vrnjačka Banja.
The partner in this project is FoNet News and Publishing Company Ltd.
The project was supported by the Belgrade Open School (BOŠ) through the program “Youth and Media for Democratic Development.”
The project “Political Accountability, Inclusivity, and Resiliency Support (PAIRS)” was implemented from January 2021 to January 2022.
The most significant impact of the project was raising awareness among political actors and the general public about the concept of disability and the importance of social inclusion for a just society.
Key results of the project include:
53 persons with disabilities were empowered for social or political activism in Serbia.
15 of the most influential political parties now understand and promote the implementation of the social model approach to persons with disabilities.
An initiative was launched to improve the implementation of legal provisions guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities in higher education and employment.
Public awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities was increased.
The project was implemented in the Republic of Serbia, in the following locations: Belgrade, Zlatibor, Niš, Vršac, Novi Sad, Kragujevac, and Čačak.
The project was supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Washington.
The project “Peer Mentorship and Youth Inclusive Teams in the Local Community” was implemented from May 2021 to December 2021.
The most significant impact of the project was the empowerment of six young people with and without disabilities for peer mentoring, and the support of 11 high school students with disabilities who were empowered to promote social inclusion. Additionally, 8 representatives of youth offices participated in a three-day training where they were informed, educated, and empowered to act as promoters of social inclusion, i.e., peer educators. During the planning and implementation of promotional activities, they received support from mentors.
Project results include:
6 young people with and without disabilities were educated to become peer mentors.
11 high school students with disabilities were empowered to act as peer educators in their schools.
8 representatives of youth offices were empowered to support high school students with disabilities in becoming peer educators in the local community.
Youth offices became more active in providing support to young people with disabilities in their local communities.
More than 220 high school students attended 8 motivational workshops for students with disabilities in secondary schools.
8 youth offices served as resource centers for implementing activities with empowered youth with disabilities.
18 representatives of relevant youth policy stakeholders (from governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions at both the national and local levels) were informed about the project results and received practical policy recommendations for working with and supporting youth with disabilities.
The project was implemented in the Republic of Serbia in the following locations: Belgrade, Zlatibor, Čačak, Loznica, Ivanjica, Šabac, and Kragujevac.
Project partners: National Association of Youth Offices and the Network of Organizations for Children of Serbia – MODS.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The project “Peer Mentoring as Support for Youth with Disabilities in an Inclusive Society – New Generation” was implemented from July 2020 to December 2020.
The most significant impact of the project is that eight young people with and without disabilities were empowered to provide peer mentoring to 16 high school students with disabilities, who were empowered to promote social inclusion.
Project results:
Continuous development of peer educators for active implementation of educational activities.
16 high school students with disabilities were empowered to take on the role of promoters of social inclusion.
Online promotion of social inclusion.
Representatives of 24 interested youth policy stakeholders (governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions) at national and local levels were informed about the project results and practical policy recommendations for working with and supporting youth with disabilities.
The project was implemented across the territory of the Republic of Serbia, in the following locations: Belgrade, Vršac, Zlatibor, Negotin, Niš, Čačak, and Prokuplje.
Partners in this project were the National Youth Office and the Network of Organizations for Children of Serbia (MODS).
The project was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The project “Digital and Media Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities” was implemented from December 2016 to December 2020.
The most significant impact of the project was improving the civic engagement of youth with disabilities by developing their digital and media literacy skills.
Key results of the project include:
Improved opportunities for better civic engagement of youth with disabilities in 5 regions.
Increased capacities of 15 youth with disabilities in public representation and advocacy.
Enhanced competencies of youth with disabilities in digital and media literacy through trainings.
Representatives of youth NGOs were familiarized with mechanisms for inclusion of youth with disabilities and equipped with guidelines for active and equal engagement of youth with disabilities.
Through sub-granting, 5 NGOs increased the inclusion of youth with disabilities in their local communities and addressed some of the main challenges in this field.
Resources to enhance the capacities of youth with disabilities regarding digital and media literacy were provided via an online platform.
Media representatives were trained in the social model approach to disability and the concept of social inclusion through workshops.
The project was carried out across the territory of the Republic of Serbia in the following locations: Belgrade, Zlatibor, Užice, Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac, Ćićevac, Vrnjačka Banja, Bajina Bašta, Apatin, Pančevo, and Novi Pazar.
Partners on this project were: FMI, Youth Association, and SEKONS.
The project was supported by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia through the Civil Society Support Program.
The project “Peer Mentoring as Support for Youth with Disabilities in an Inclusive Society” was implemented from August 2019 to December 2019.
The most significant impact of the project was empowering eight young people with and without disabilities to peer mentor 18 high school students with disabilities.
Key project results include:
Continuous development of peer educators for active implementation of educational activities.
350 high school students were informed about social inclusion, proper terminology, and various forms of support during 15 workshops.
Representatives of 24 interested youth policy stakeholders (governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions) at the national and local levels were informed about the project results and practical policy recommendations in working with and supporting youth with disabilities.
The project was carried out in the territory of the Republic of Serbia, in the following locations: Belgrade, Vršac, Vrnjačka Banja, Vranje, Ćićevac, Požega, and Prokuplje.
Partners in this project were the National Association of Youth Offices.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The project “Youth with Disabilities in an Inclusive Society through Capacity Building of Youth Offices for Social Inclusion of Young People with Disabilities” was implemented from September 2018 to January 2019.
The most significant impact of the project is: Empowering young people with disabilities for active participation in activities within their local communities and supporting inclusive initiatives led by Youth Offices with active involvement of young people with disabilities, as well as promoting their active engagement in local communities.
Project results:
The public in local communities was informed about the project’s goals and activities for developing social inclusion of young people with disabilities.
8 info stands were held in cities across the Republic of Serbia.
13 individuals with disabilities from 5 local communities were empowered to participate equally in local activities.
5 Youth Offices have empowered young people with disabilities as resources for implementing activities.
Workshops for individuals with disabilities were conducted locally.
14 young people with disabilities participated in Youth Office initiatives.
A study was conducted on types of support and capacities of Youth Offices for including young people with fewer social opportunities.
Individuals with disabilities were recognized as valuable contributors in implementing activities.
10 different stickers were used to promote social inclusion of young people with disabilities.
A documentary film “A DAY IN MY SHOES” was recorded.
The project was implemented throughout the Republic of Serbia in the following locations: Belgrade, Vrnjačka Banja, Čačak, Prijepolje, Kragujevac, and over 25 Youth Offices across the country.
Partners on this project were the National Association of Youth Offices and the Coordinating Body of Youth Organizations of Serbia – KOMS.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The project “Transition of Students with Disabilities from Higher Education to Employment in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro – Trans2Work” was implemented from October 2015 to October 2018.
The project achieved the following goals:
Preparing and improving higher education institutions in providing support to students with disabilities during their transition from university to the workplace, by applying and monitoring EU standards and policies.
Connecting higher education with a work environment that is accessible and suitable for persons with disabilities.
Aligning transitional opportunities and skills with EU practices and policies.
Preparing employers to better understand the needs of employees with disabilities in order to create and offer new job opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The main target group of the project was the large population of current and future graduates with disabilities, as well as employers from both the private and public sectors.
Key project results include:
Organized student exchange programs for students with disabilities to participate in internships in partner countries.
Development of a platform to connect employers with graduates with disabilities, as well as a benchmarking study.
Creation of a mentor guide to support students during internships.
Development of a guide for employers who intend to hire persons with disabilities.
A survey on the employment of persons with disabilities conducted with a sample of 431 employers.
A total of 25 entities from 3 countries in the region and 4 EU countries participated in the implementation of the project.
The project was supported by the European Union’s ERASMUS+ Programme.
The project “Inclusive Youth Office Work Network – MIR KZM” was implemented from June 2017 to January 2018.
Key results of the project include:
More than 50 individuals from youth office management and local youth organizations completed empowerment training to increase participation of youth with disabilities in their activities.
8 info stands were organized in cities across the Republic of Serbia: Raška, Novi Pazar, Niš, Bečej, Belgrade, Prijepolje, Bačka Palanka, and Subotica.
Local workshops were conducted for youth with disabilities.
14 young people with disabilities participated in the activities of youth offices.
A study was conducted on the types of support and the capacity of youth offices to include young people with fewer opportunities.
15 student association activists were empowered to provide support to students with disabilities.
The project was carried out in the Republic of Serbia in the following locations: Belgrade, Zlatibor, Niš, Ečka, and through more than 25 youth offices nationwide.
Project partners were the National Association of Youth Offices and the Development Initiative Group – SEKONS.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The project “Monitoring of Discrimination Situations in Serbia” was implemented from August 2017 to April 2018.
Key results of the project include:
10 situation studies of discrimination against students with disabilities in higher education were developed,
2 focus groups were conducted with persons with disabilities who had experienced discrimination in various areas of life,
qualitative evidence was collected on situations and forms of discrimination,
personal experiences of discrimination victims were gathered.
The Association of Students with Disabilities was a partner on this project.
The project was supported by PRAXIS and the Sandžak Committee for Human Rights, within a project supported by the Equal Rights Trust (ERT).
The project “Young Human Rights Promoters – Message of Equality” was implemented from April to October 2017.
The most significant results of the project are:
12 young people with disabilities and 8 without disabilities were empowered for self-advocacy and promotion of human rights of persons with disabilities, social inclusion, and anti-discrimination, initiating further activities in local communities to support youth with disabilities;
20 representatives of youth offices, student, and youth organizations were empowered to recognize discrimination, human rights violations, and barriers to inclusion of young people with disabilities in local communities and society;
The public in 8 administrative districts in the Republic of Serbia was better informed about obstacles to the realization of human rights and community inclusion for young persons with disabilities, as well as mechanisms for equalizing opportunities, through interaction with active young persons with disabilities;
A video spot titled “Disability is a Matter of Human Rights and Social Inclusion” was created and viewed by over 1,000 people.
The project was implemented in Belgrade, Zlatibor, and 10 local communities in Serbia.
The partner on the project was the National Association of Youth Offices.
The project was supported by the Office for Human and Minority Rights of the Republic of Serbia.
The project “Regional Inclusive Youth Initiative of Serbia 2016” was implemented from October 2016 to March 2017.
The main goal of the project was to develop and establish practical support for young people with disabilities within organizations conducting youth activities and to develop their competencies.
The core activities carried out during the project included educational activities, panel discussions, a conference, and actions dedicated to promoting the project’s goals and activities.
The most significant project results are:
80 young people from local communities were empowered to plan and organize programs and activities ensuring equal participation of youth with disabilities and to budget these programs when applying for domestic and international donors.
Staff of 20 youth organizations were empowered to analyze strategic and legal frameworks regulating the active role of young people with disabilities in society.
20 youth organizations across 6 districts were empowered for intersectoral cooperation and implementation of practical support for young people with disabilities in carrying out youth activities.
12 activists were empowered to conduct and organize workshops, round tables, and public actions.
Empowered activists participated in the organization and implementation of six training sessions for youth workers in six districts of Serbia.
Project partners included: “Denizen – Center for Civic Activism” Svrljig, “Youth Creative Center OKCE” Jagodina, Youth Offices from Subotica, Kikinda, Obrenovac, and Novi Pazar.
The project was implemented in multiple locations across Serbia, including Belgrade, Subotica, Bečej, Jagodina, Niš, Svrljig, Obrenovac, Vrnjačka Banja, Tutin, Raška, and Novi Pazar.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Serbia.
The project “Pilot Set of Activities for Increasing Employability of Youth with Disabilities” was implemented from October 2016 to December 2016.
The most significant project results are:
18 youth with disabilities successfully completed a programming course,
18 youth with disabilities successfully completed a course in functional computer use,
11 youth were empowered through training in business communication and public speaking,
Youth with disabilities were informed about their rights, new social protection services, affirmative measures in education and employment, and ways to access them.
The project was supported by the City of Belgrade, the Youth Office, in cooperation with associations.
The project “Development of Professional Competences of Youth from Socially Vulnerable Groups” was implemented from May to September 2016.
The most significant project results are:
Training youth from socially vulnerable groups in the following areas: computer work, programming, and graphic design.
Encouraging retraining and increasing employability of youth from socially vulnerable groups.
Preparing youth from socially vulnerable groups for careers in programming.
Raising awareness about the need to employ youth from socially vulnerable groups within their communities.
Empowering and enhancing the professional competences of youth from socially vulnerable groups.
Promoting equality of youth from socially vulnerable groups in society.
The main activities during this project included courses on functional computer use, graphic design, and programming for youth facing social disadvantages, youth from single-parent families in the Voždovac municipality, unemployed youth, and students with disabilities.
The project was supported by the Voždovac Municipality.
Independent in the Academic Community – Empowerment and Psychosocial Support for Youth with Disabilities for Social Inclusion and the Exercise of Rights
The project “Independent in the Academic Community – Empowerment and Psychosocial Support for Youth with Disabilities for Social Inclusion and the Exercise of Rights” was implemented from May to November 2016.
The most significant outcomes of the project include:
Equal access and opportunities for the inclusion of youth with disabilities in higher education, employment, and the use of high-quality, suitable support services.
Involvement of youth with disabilities in all social aspects of both the local and academic communities. Empowering youth with disabilities to create opportunities to contribute to society and become equal participants in it.
Raising awareness among peers about the importance of including youth with disabilities in society.
The project was supported by the Municipality of Voždovac.
The project “Equalizing Opportunities in Acquiring Educational Competencies Through Support Services for Youth and Students with Disabilities” was implemented from July to December 2015.
The impact of the project was reflected in the improved social life of students with disabilities, through greater inclusion in youth social dynamics and increased participation in community life. The level of awareness among young people with disabilities about their rights, new social protection services, affirmative measures in education and employment, and how to exercise them was raised. Additionally, young people with disabilities became more competitive in the labor market.
Key results of the project include:
Improved opportunities for education for students with disabilities.
Better-informed youth with disabilities regarding their rights, new social protection services, affirmative education and employment measures, and how to access them.
Increased support from the academic community for the equal inclusion of youth with disabilities in higher education.
30 students trained to provide various forms of support to youth and students with different types of disabilities.
10 students with disabilities empowered to participate in the implementation of the Association’s programs.
Association members acquired web design programming skills.
Improved foreign language proficiency among 17 young people with disabilities.
Increased competitiveness of youth with disabilities in the labor market.
Raised awareness within the academic and broader community on the issues of equality and the status of youth with disabilities in education and employment.
Greater involvement of students with disabilities in the social life of youth through participation in scientific, cultural, entertainment, and sports events and activities.
Reduced social distance toward students with disabilities by their peers.
Increased competitiveness of students with disabilities in exercising their rights to student accommodation, scholarships, and student exchange programs.
Improved public awareness regarding the correct use of terminology related to persons with disabilities.
Practical work experience provided to students from the Faculty of Philology.
The project was supported by the Secretariat for Social Protection of the City of Belgrade.
The project “Peer Assistance in Higher Education – Support Services for Young People and Students with Disabilities at Higher Education Institutions in Belgrade” was implemented in the period from December 2014 to March 2015.
This project contributed to creating better opportunities for the education of students with disabilities. It resulted in greater inclusion of students with disabilities in the social life of young people through participation in scientific, cultural, entertainment, and sports events and activities.
The most significant results of the project are:
Improved opportunities for the education of students with disabilities.
Greater inclusion of students with disabilities in the social life of youth through participation in scientific, cultural, entertainment, and sports events and activities.
Increased motivation of students with disabilities to engage in academic life and society in general.
Raised awareness and understanding of the value and potential of students with disabilities, particularly regarding academic achievement and equality in everyday social life.
The project was supported by the Secretariat for Social Protection of the City of Belgrade.
The project “Independent in Academic Life through Strengthening Peer Community Capacities” was implemented from October 2014 to January 2015.
This project provided support to students with disabilities at higher education institutions in Belgrade by piloting the development of a student support service for students with disabilities, aiming to realize their rights to affirmative measures and other social protection services.
The most significant project results are:
Representatives of student parliaments who attended the seminar became advocates for improving support for students with disabilities and the development of innovative social protection services, raising awareness of the challenges faced by their peers with disabilities at their faculties.
Inclusion of student organizations, such as student associations and unions, was ensured in providing support to students with disabilities at the faculties themselves through the creation of an informal network.
67 students from 9 higher education institutions were empowered to provide peer assistance to students with disabilities.
A final conference was held, informing the wider public about the importance of the project results.
The project was supported by the Secretariat for Social Protection of the City of Belgrade.
The project “EQUI ED” was implemented from October 2011 to March 2015.
The impact of the project lies in establishing structural conditions for diversification and expansion of the student body, so that higher education reflects the structure of society in Serbia.
The most significant results of the project are:
Increased scope of policies and improved legal framework for diversification and expansion of the student body entering and completing higher education.
Establishment and institutionalization of practices for data collection and analysis in the domain of the social dimension of higher education, at both systemic and institutional levels.
Establishment of an institutional framework supporting the student population to participate equally in higher education.
Establishment of support services for students from underrepresented groups.
Piloting measures aimed at specific underrepresented groups on a sample of approximately 50 students.
Legal framework ensuring equal access to higher education.
Proposal for amendments to the Law on Student Standards.
Amendments to internal (institutional) regulations related to fair access and completion of higher education.
Improved data collection on the social dimension of higher education through new methodology, indicators, and procedures.
Provision of functional assistive technology at universities.
Based on piloted support, 80 students from underrepresented groups were enrolled at the university.
The project was funded by the European Union, E.A.C.E.A – TEMPUS Programme.
The project “Regional Inclusive Youth Initiative of Serbia” was implemented from September 2014 to February 2015.
The impact of the project was an increase in the level of social cohesion and a reduction of social barriers and social distance towards young people with disabilities in local communities throughout the Republic of Serbia.
The most significant results of the project are:
12 young people with disabilities and activists from the Association of Students with Disabilities were empowered to conduct training workshops for practitioners in youth and student organizations on social inclusion and implementation of inclusive activities.
In 6 locations in Serbia (Vranje, Niš, Jagodina, Kikinda, Subotica, and Belgrade), 88 youth activists were empowered to organize programs and activities aimed at ensuring equal participation of young people with disabilities.
Promotional activities and a closing conference were held. Project activities were carried out in 6 regions of Serbia (Pčinja, Nišava, Morava, North Bačka, North Banat, and the City of Belgrade).
The project was funded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Serbia.
The project “Inclusive Youth Platform of Serbia” was implemented from June to December 2013.
The impact of the project is an increased level of social cohesion and a reduction of social barriers and social distance towards young people with disabilities in 15 local communities in Serbia.
The most significant project results are:
At the activist training, 9 young people with disabilities and 7 without disabilities were empowered. Public activities, “street actions,” were organized in 7 local communities in Serbia, involving local youth and student organizations, institutions, and young people with disabilities.
At 15 workshops on “Participation of Young People with Disabilities,” 206 young activists and volunteers from 15 local communities participated and were empowered to include young people with disabilities in youth activities.
A panel discussion was organized with representatives from SKONUS, KOMS, and the SIPRU Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Team.
Partners in this project were the “Institute for Disability and Social Inclusion – IDIS Belgrade” and the Niš Association of Students with Disabilities.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The project “Situational Testing of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities” was implemented from December 2012 to October 2013.
Key project results:
Insight into discrimination against persons with disabilities by landlords.
Insight into discrimination in the provision of services by travel agencies towards persons with disabilities.
Insight into discrimination by beauty salons in providing services to persons with disabilities.
Discrimination testing was conducted on 19 different entities.
7 young people, of whom 5 have disabilities, were trained to act as testers in situational discrimination testing.
The project was supported by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality.
The project “Access to Education through Human Rights for Future Practitioners in Inclusive Education” lasted from July 2012 to June 2013.
The impact of the project is that representatives of faculties and departments relevant for training future teaching staff gain a better understanding of human rights violations in inclusive education and become motivated to participate in the curriculum reform process.
The most significant project results are:
Over 200 students, future professionals in the field of education, increased awareness of their future role in implementing inclusive education from a human rights perspective, fully achieved through 8 workshops held with over 300 students training for professions such as preschool teachers, primary school teachers, pedagogues, psychologists, etc., who participated in workshops held throughout Serbia.
60 participants (teaching staff by profession) from 19 municipalities or cities in Serbia increased their understanding of human rights in the implementation of inclusive programs according to the “Law on the Fundamentals of the Education System,” with trainings conducted regionally.
Over 500 printed copies of a publication on inclusive education in the curricula of higher education institutions were distributed to relevant higher education institutions, student organizations, and other stakeholders.
A final conference was held, attended by guests, some of whom also gave presentations from several representatives of relevant stakeholders.
Project partners were the Niš Association of Students with Disabilities and the Kragujevac Association of Students with Disabilities.
The project was supported by the Delegation of the European Union in the Republic of Serbia through the EIDHR Program and the Ministry of Education and Science.
The project “Strengthening the Capacities of Local Governments and Educational Institutions for the Implementation of Laws and Practical Policies of Inclusive Education in Local Communities in Serbia” was implemented from December 2010 to February 2013.
The most significant results of the project are:
Training on the implementation of individual education programs in 7 schools from less developed municipalities in Serbia.
Through “Inclusive Education Days” and interactive workshops with younger primary school children, awareness of the right to education from a human rights perspective was raised in 10 schools from less developed municipalities in Serbia.
As a result of this project, obstacles and methods of implementing support services in education were examined in 50 municipalities in the Republic of Serbia.
A manual for the implementation of individual education programs in preschool institutions and primary schools was developed.
During the project, initiatives of the public and non-governmental sectors in the field of support formation in education at the local level were promoted, and networking between different sectors at the local level was encouraged through 6 regional conferences.
Project partners were the Initiative for Inclusion VelikiMali and the Initiative for the Rights of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Serbia (MDRI-S).
The project was supported by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, EIDHR Program, and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
The project “Improving the Social Dimension of the European Higher Education Area in Southeast Europe” was implemented from December 2010 to December 2012.
The most significant results of the project are:
Gained insight into the attitudes of young people with disabilities, working students, students who are parents, and students from the general population regarding the impact of current higher education reforms in Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia on the study process and youth activism.
A report was prepared with the results of the survey and focus groups, which will serve as tools for advocating the development of the social dimension of the European Higher Education Area and support services at universities in the three mentioned countries.
Partners in this project were the Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro and the Association of Youth and Students with Disabilities of North Macedonia.
This project was supported by the Open Society Foundation – Budapest.
The project “Everything I Want, I Can – Improving Study Conditions and Work Performance of Persons with Disabilities through the Use of Personal Assistance Services” was implemented from May to November 2012.
The most significant results of this project are:
Organized support in education and work in the form of personal assistance for 20 students and young people with disabilities.
Trained 25 personal assistants to provide basic forms of assistance in the daily functioning of young people with different types of disabilities.
The project was supported by the National Employment Service.
The project “Support Services in Higher Education for Youth and Students with Disabilities” was implemented in the period from July to October 2012.
The main goal of the project was to improve the position of youth and students with disabilities in higher education through the use of support services.
The most significant results of the project are:
Personal assistance support was provided for students with disabilities.
50 books were adapted (scanned) into electronic format.
11 psychosocial support workshops were held with the participation of over 70 students with disabilities.
The project was supported by the City Secretariat for Social Protection of the City of Belgrade and the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Policy.
The project “Assistance Service in Higher Education – Volunteer Peer Support for Students with Disabilities” was implemented in the period from October 2011 to June 2012.
The impact of the project was to ensure better access and equal opportunities for higher education for persons with disabilities through a support service – in the form of volunteer peer support by their non-disabled peers at the universities in Belgrade, Kragujevac, and Niš.
The most significant results of the project are:
More than 30 young people and students with disabilities from three university centers (Belgrade, Kragujevac, and Niš) received peer assistant support in their functioning.
40 male and female students from three university centers were trained to provide basic forms of assistance in education for youth with different types of disabilities.
A manual was created for training activists and classroom assistants.
The project was supported within the multisectoral program “Delivery of Improved Local Services – DILS,” implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education.
The project “INKLUZIJADA – Generation 2101” was implemented in the period from May to December 2011.
The impact of the project is the reduction of social barriers and contribution to the improved position of students with disabilities in society and the academic community, as well as the reduction of social distance. The project is part of the “Inkluzijada” program, aimed at reducing social distance in higher education towards students with disabilities.
The most significant results of the project are:
A group of students was formed to promote the academic life of an inclusive society.
Over 100 students without disabilities were introduced to the practical potential of the student population with disabilities through educational workshops, joint activities, and competitive experiences for students with and without disabilities.
Ideas of equality and responsibility were developed among students with disabilities alongside students without disabilities.
Personal development of 50 participants in the central event “Inkluzijada” was encouraged for the inclusion of students with disabilities in all student activities.
More than 600 students without disabilities gained insight and information about the ideas of equality for persons with disabilities.
A survey was conducted on a sample of 800 students about attitudes and social distance toward students with disabilities in 15 student dormitories in Belgrade, Niš, and Kragujevac.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Education and Science.
The project “Promoting Inclusive Higher Education in Southeast Europe” was implemented from December 2002 to December 2011. The project’s impact lies in promoting equal rights for students with disabilities and advocating for inclusive higher education within the academic community of Southeast Europe, while also establishing institutional-level access to universities.
The most significant results of the project include:
Young people and students with disabilities from Eastern Europe were empowered to engage in self-advocacy and activism through the creation of regional mechanisms and tools for effectively representing youth with disabilities.
A network of young people and students with disabilities was established, led by the Association of Students with Disabilities as the coordinator of activities.
The Association of Students with Disabilities provided comments and recommendations on the Higher Education Law, specifically addressing the status of students with disabilities. The law, adopted in 2005, officially recognized their status.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Serbia, a scholarship program was established as a form of support for students with disabilities.
Most faculties at the University of Belgrade began implementing affirmative action measures for students with disabilities.
At the initiative of the Association of Students with Disabilities, the University Center for Students with Disabilities was founded in March 2008.
The higher education of young people and students with disabilities was publicly supported by the Rector of the University of Belgrade, who participated in a media campaign.
A promotional TV video was broadcast on national and local television stations in Serbia during April and May 2010.
The project was supported by the Open Society Institute from Budapest and Handicap International from France.
The project “Just Academic – Selfacademic!” was implemented from May to November 2011.
The most significant results of the project are:
Over 30 young people, with or without disabilities, were taught the model of approaching disability from the perspective of human rights, assistive technologies, and independent living of persons with disabilities.
17 students with disabilities, as well as 6 female students without disabilities, were empowered to actively advocate and defend the rights and status of young people with disabilities in the academic community by acquiring a broad range of knowledge in the fields of human rights, equality of persons with disabilities, disability theory and culture, inclusive education, and assistive technology.
90 participants in a debate at the University of Belgrade were educated on human rights, disability models, theories, assistive technology, and independent living of persons with disabilities.
The academic and broader public were informed about the disability model from the perspective of human rights, disability theories, assistive technology, and independent living of persons with disabilities.
Awareness was raised among the academic community and in the wider community about the academic status and rights of people with disabilities.
The project partner was the Institute for Disability and Social Inclusion, and the project was supported by the Youth Office of the City of Belgrade.
The project “Inclusion and Me” was implemented from March to May 2011.
The impact of the project is empowering young people with disabilities to actively participate in the academic and social community.
The most significant results of the project are:
15 young women and youth organizations were trained in communication with young people with hearing disabilities and received basic knowledge of sign language, and their interest in improving these skills was encouraged.
4 young women with hearing disabilities improved their communication skills through the use of hearing software, which became a peer electronic communication tool, one of the most common forms of communication among the younger population.
20 participants in the training expressed interest in participating in activities promoting the human rights of persons with disabilities.
24 young people with disabilities and 9 young people without disabilities were empowered to contribute to the development in the field of human rights, equality, and non-discrimination of persons with disabilities through active participation in the academic community.
The project was supported by the Youth Office of the City of Belgrade.
The project “Language Courses for Youth with Disabilities” was implemented from March to July 2011.
The most significant results of the project are:
55 young people with disabilities successfully completed one of the language courses at levels A1–B2.
14 instructors from the language school “Equilibrio” were trained to work with youth with disabilities.
160 language lessons were conducted across 8 participant groups.
The project partner was the language school “Equilibrio.”
The project lasted from June 2005 to June 2009.
The most significant results of the project are:
Each school year during the project period, 15–25 students with disabilities received personal assistance support.
Easier functioning of students with disabilities in everyday activities, higher levels of fulfilling academic obligations by students with disabilities, and greater social inclusion of students with disabilities are the most important outcomes of this project.
Over 80 soldiers in civilian military service were trained to assist persons with disabilities.
The project was supported by the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection.
The project “Self-Advocacy and Promotion of Rights and Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities in Southeast Europe” was implemented from June 2006 to June 2008.
The impact of the project was the full enjoyment of human rights by people with disabilities through the realization of equal opportunities and full participation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro.
The most significant results of the project are:
Organizations of persons with disabilities were strengthened, as well as persons with disabilities who worked in the fields of self-representation and activism within the disability movement. The Association of Students with Disabilities (USH) and its organizational partners (Handicap International, Center for Independent Living from Belgrade, Disability Info Center “Lotos” from Tuzla, Polio+ from Skopje) publicly represented and advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities, provided support through trainings, consultations, regional networking, as well as through submitting basic and development grants.
The Association of Students with Disabilities cooperated with over 80 organizations from Serbia and Montenegro, and over 35 trainings and 150 consultations were held.
The Association of Students with Disabilities was an equal partner in the “SHARE – SEE” project and a member of the project’s Steering Committee. The Association was responsible for organizing trainings, consultations, providing support in submitting applications for mini-grants, evaluating grant proposals, etc.
The project was supported by the European Union program Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights – EIDHR and Handicap International from France.
The project “Promotion of Inclusive Education in Serbia and Montenegro” was implemented from September 2005 to June 2008.
The impact of the project was to promote equal rights for youth with disabilities and to promote the system of inclusive secondary education in Serbia and Montenegro.
The most significant results of the project are:
A research study was conducted assessing the situation of youth with disabilities in secondary schools in Serbia and Montenegro.
The research included 484 young people with disabilities attending both regular and special secondary schools across Serbia and Montenegro.
The results of the research were published in the book “The Position of Youth with Disabilities in Secondary School,” which became one of the most important references for inclusive education and the status of youth with disabilities and youth from vulnerable groups, as cited in the National Youth Strategy of the Republic of Serbia.
The information obtained from this research was used by active members advocating within the Association of Students with Disabilities and by members of partner organizations from the Coalition for Inclusive Education as a valuable tool in efforts to improve the human rights of youth with disabilities and the principles of inclusive education during the drafting of the Law on the Basics of the Education System and the Law on Textbooks and Other Teaching Materials.
A promotional campaign for inclusive education was conducted, disseminating the research results to relevant institutions and media. During this campaign, members of the Association of Students with Disabilities held informal consultations in numerous secondary schools to encourage youth with disabilities to continue their education.
The project was supported by the Open Society Institute from Budapest.
