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Revista e cila merret me të drejtat e personave me aftësi të kufizuara

Donated by:ON LINEin three languages

www.lpkosova.com

e-mail: info@lpkosova.com

NEWSPAPERto the RIGHTS of PERSONS

with ABILITIES of KOSOVADIS

NEWSPAPERto the RIGHTS of PERSONS

with ABILITIES of KOSOVADIS

Dear readers, Kosovo aspires to become part of the European Union and in that

I am honoured to contribute to your newspaper. Respect for context it seeks to promote human rights more actively to the

human rights is an essential benefit of all people living in Kosovo. As Kosovo continues to draft

European and international legislation in accordance with European standards on the rights of

value and at the heart of my people with disabilities, the greater need is for local authorities to be

mandate as the European proactive in ensuring actual implementation. In this context it is

Union Special Representative crucial that local authorities create opportunities for people with

in Kosovo. disabilities. These range from making sure that they have access to

The European Union has public institutions, quality education, job opportunities, and creating

recently ratified the United conditions to normalize their day to day living, the basic right to

Nation's Convention on the move and enjoy life without obstacles. This should be a priority in

Rights of People with every society of values.

Disabilities which will serve to I commend you for the hard work to make human rights a reality

further their interests. This is and raise awareness among Kosovo society of the needs that you

the first time in history that the have as citizens but also of the great contribution you make to the

EU as a public international development of Kosovo in all aspects of life. I admire your courage

organization has ratified a in fighting for the rights of people with disabilities, without prejudice

Human Rights treaty, thereby to their religion or ethnicity.

becoming a party to it, and as I would like to wish you best of success with your advocacy efforts!

such this is a significant reflection of the EU's commitment to the Sincerely,

rights of people with disabilities. With this ratification, the EU is Pieter Feith

also encouraging all its member states to ratify this treaty. European Union Special Representative for Kosovo

GREETING NOTE OF PIETER FEITH

WITH EUROPEAN STANDARDS ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

DISABILITY CULTURE KOSOVAR CHAMPION

EQUAL ACCESS TO VOTING INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS

INSPIRING ACTIVITIES PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Magazine to the rights of persons with disabilities

Welcome to our worldEU Special Representative

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The Government of Republic of disabilities, benefits from various social Kosovo pays special attention to schemes pursuant to existing laws on the r ights of Persons with Disability, marking by institutions of all Disabilities. This is reflected in the international days that are important for Constitution of Republic of Kosovo, the disabled, government support for which incorporates all these many projects on disabilities. Here we principles, including the United need to thank the outstanding Nations Convention on the Rights contribution of Organisations of of Persons with Disabilities. Persons with Disabilities in the

Furthermore, National Action Plan Republic of Kosovo for their for Persons with Disabilities, adopted in cooperation.

April 2009 is the fundamental instrument Republic of Kosovo also cooperates with for creating new policy in Kosovo to the the World Organisation of the Deaf, benefit of Persons with Disabilities and World Organisation of the Blind, which aims at improving living conditions European Organisation of Persons with in the field of education, employment, Disabilities, etc. This cooperation health, social protection and life without resulted with their interest to support and problems. This plan sets the government cooperate with Republic of Kosovo in the policies, coordinates activities of field of disabilities. institutions and organizations at the state level which are involved in the field of human rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Let us mention some of the results of this commitment and hard work, like recognition of sign language, which is a fundamental right for deaf people, as official language in the Republic of Kosovo, drafting of the Law on Blind Persons, drafting and implementation of the Strategy on Pre-University Education 2007-2017, Strategic Plan on Education Sector in Kosovo (SPES), continuation of the process for creation of adequate infrastructure that

Habit Hajredini, Director would enable access of persons with

Our state is determined to promote human and particularly children rights and every principle of international declarations and instruments is incorporated in national legislation. The Strategy 2011-2016 presents a basic national plan of an inclusive education system. Legal norms rely on the Convention on the Rights of a Child, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities........ These norms are also based on the adopted National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities for 2009-2011.

Mr. Sci. Vedat Bajrami has been employed with the Ministry of

- Mr. Bajrami, what has been Education, Science and Technology

concretely undertaken to introduce since 2002 in the position of Special

inclusive education in the education and Inclusive Education Officer. He

system in Kosovo? participates actively in international conferences with presentations and

In order to support inclusive schools research work in the field of

in implementing legal norms relating inclusive education. He lectures

to the education of children with Special Education, Inclusive

special education needs in regular Education and Difficulties in

schools, Ministry of Education in Learning.

cooperation with three educational institutions and five preschool

- Mr. Bajrami could you tell us more on education institutions during

how is the inclusive education 2009/2010 developed a functional

regulated by law in Kosovo?model of inclusive education in municipalities of Prishtina, Skenderaj,

Inclusive education is an ambitious Rahovec, Gjilan and Peja.

international effort to extend and The special education sector in

consolidate educational opportunities cooperation with municipal

for all children, young people and directorates of education in 2010

elders in the world. A significant selected 14 schools for the program

number of agreements, normative "Establishment of inclusive schools in

instruments and the new UN the Republic of Kosovo".

Convention of 2007 promote the rights of people with disabilities.

- Mr. Bajrami, what are you plans for Ministry of Education in cooperation

2011? with partner organisations and experts has developed a draft law on pre-

Ministry of Education will continue university education, which sets

intensive activities to strengthen and education standards and principles for

provide support for schools in ensuring quality education for all

implementation and development of children, taking into consideration their

inclusive education in Kosovo. special needs.

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER/ OFFICE OF GOOD

GOVERNANCE, HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND GENDER ISSUES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN

THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO

EMPLOYERS' PRIVILEGES Prishtina, 29.04.2010 support for any further adjustments on

the job that may be required for Human Rights Sector of the Ministry of employed works with disabilities. They Labour and Social Welfare organized a shall also enjoy other benefits, such as one-day workshop on the topic customs and tax exemptions. “Implementation of legal infrastructure

In order for unemployed persons with related to vocational training and disabilities to enjoy their rights under employment of persons with the law, they should report for disabilities”. The NGOs that were registration at the employment office present were very active in giving at the area where they reside. There recommendations for easier they can get informed also about employment and setting terms and vacancies and receive professional conditions to employers for employing suggestions. a person with disabilities for every 50 The Government of Kosovo and other workers in accordance with the law, institutions should consider the which also envisages sanctions in case implementation of this law as a priority of failure to comply with such legal and thus provide persons with requirements. disabilities with equal opportunities to The law provides for facilitation participate in the economic measures for employers by the development of Ministry of Labour, such as, financial the country.

PRINCIPLES OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN KOSOVO

Pristina 2010, University in Kosovo (AUK). Driton

www.telegrafi.com Bajraktari, Executive Director of NGO

“Down Syndrome Kosova”, said that

Under the motto “Learn about me”, in despite the efforts of Kosovo

Pristina was marked March 21, the institutions, social situation of people

World Down syndrome Day. This affected by the Down syndrome

manifestation was organized by the remains very difficult. In Kosovo, it is

Office of Good Governance/ Office of estimated that there are 563 persons

the Prime Minister, NGO "Down affected by this syndrome.

Syndrome Kosova" and American

The CEC in the election process of December 2010 and later provided equal conditions as set under the law for secret voting of blind people, and thus for the first time they were given the opportunity to vote equally with other citizens.The Association of the Blind in the Republic of Kosovo has started an initiative in all municipalities to educate citizens for independent voting, where they have developed a bulletin in two versions: audio and in Braille alphabet, presenting in details instructions on how to use the voting form in Braille alphabet for the blind. The activity was funded by the CEC, Representatives of the EU Office in Prishtina and Forum of Citizens Initiative.

EQUAL ACCESS TO VOTING

Under the motto “Learn about me” stwas marked March 21 , the World

Down syndrome Day

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Dear readers, I would particularly like stress that one of the preconditions for Kosovo to

Firstly, I would like to thank the donor who made achieve progress towards European integration processes is implementation possible the publication of this edition of newspaper, of these standards. Implementation of the National Action Plan for Persons which is the only one in this area entirely dedicated with Disabilities provides a good basis, because it sets the basic principles for to promoting the rights and presenting achievements development and implementation of national policies so that this category of and problems faced by the persons with disabilities. citizens becomes active and independent in every aspect of social life.

We are the only voice in Kosovo that constantly This newspaper, as the only window of hope and information, is of particular emphasizes that it not possible to respect human importance because it gives us the opportunity to be informed about the rights rights without meeting the basic preconditions in of persons with disabilities and, more importantly, gives us the opportunity to order for such rights to be recognized in the deepen our knowledge on human rights as basic precondition for democratic society where such rights are enjoyed implementation of European standards and for moving towards European and developed. integration. Therefore in the current situation it is necessary to These objectives can be reached more quickly with common efforts.

promote the European dimension as broadly as possible, which means to learn and develop common European values, without forgetting not even for Respectfully yours, a single moment to include human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities. Hilmnijeta Apuk

Ministries month long campaign “October –month of professional opportunities for persons with

Prishtina, 20 October 2010 disabilities” with the participation of representatives of local and central institutions.

The Government of Kosovo traditionally marks the international day of equal Many private companies and local media opportunities for people with participated in the campaign which continuously disabilities. Office of Good followed and motivated this event. 100 working Governance organized the days for persons with disabilities were achieved, employment of 50 persons for one while two of them got jobs for three months and or more days in all ministries, two others were employed with private where the main decision makers companies with permanent contracts. in respective ministries had the opportunity to closely see the professional skills and the needs

for employment of this category of workers, who should be included in all Mitrovica Municipalitydevelopment policies and programs.

In the opening of the campaign “October – month of equal professional opportunities for persons with

Ferizaj Municipality disabilities”, Municipality of Mitrovica employed five people of this category for five days to work in the

The NGO Hendifer from Ferizaj organized the opening ceremony of the one administration, which would be paid 10 Euros a day.

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PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES(Disability Mentoring Day – DMD)

The idea of promoting professional opportunities for persons with disabilities The Kosovo Multiethnic NGO Network in the voluntary promotional program DMD started in the US and since 1999 this day is marked all over the world, (Disability Mentoring Days) which is based on a US model and idea, organizes the including the Republic of Kosovo, on the third Wednesday of October. The traditional one month long campaign “October - month of professional purpose of this day is to enable employment of these people for one or more opportunities for persons with disabilities” which aims at organizing these activities days, depending on their interest in the job they find. The benefits from this at the municipal level and enable the participation of a large number of citizens, initiative are twofold. The jobseeker with disabilities shall be given the where there could give their contribution. opportunity to practically learn and work in a real job and thus improve their You may see the marking of DMD in Washington (US) at the website professional skills, whereas employers will see their professional skills. www.aapd.com

The marking of DMD in Kosovo

INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND Regular schools are becoming inclusive and are opening more and more their doors for blind children, thus enabling them to attend lessons in regular education system in their place of residence. An example that is worth mentioning is Primary School “Ismail Qemali” in Prishtina, where a seven year old blind girl attends classes in the first grade of regular education process. Two blind children are also successfully attending classes at the secondary music schools in Peja and Ferizaj. The Czech Government donated to each of them an electro-organise, which substitutes the Braille typewriter, so that they can follow lectures as easy as possible. Two mobile teachers from the resource centre “Xheladin Dedaj” in Peja, regularly visit and monitor the work done with blind children in regular schools.

Photo: Electro-organiser for the blind

PRODUCTION AND REPAIR OF ORTHOPAEDIC EQUIPMENT

THROUGH EDUCATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS TOWARDS EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

NGO Hendifer from Ferizaj in 2006 has opened a workshop called “Ortopedia” which provides a rich program for production of various orthopaedic instruments: crutches, all types of wheelchairs for disabled children and adults, hygienic wheelchairs, walking aids and other supporting tools, bathroom equipment for persons with disabilities, walking aids for stairs, ramps for wheelchairs and other items as needed. This workshop also repairs and renovates all kinds of aids for disabled. The opening of this workshop was supported by the World Bank and World Vision. It employs four people, two of which are with disabilities and until now they have managed to serve about 600 clients. During 2010, Hendifer with a donation from American Embassy in Prishtina, managed to organize a six-month training course for qualification to produce and repair aid tools for the disabled. In this period six people with disabilities were trained for work, two of whom have already been employed in the private sector.

“We expect cooperation and financial support from the Ministry of Health to share the expenses incurred during and for the repair of supporting orthopaedic tools, as set in the National Plan for Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the Government. Continuation of the operation of this workshop is very important for the Budget of Republic of Kosovo, because it helps and contributes so that Government will not need to buy abroad the orthopaedic tools that are very expensive” - says, Ms. Fazile Bungu, Manager of NGO Hendifer.

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NGO Little People of Kosova participated at the third session of states on the new Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that was held in the UN Headquarters in New York. The session selected members of the UN

Committee that was tasked to monitor the status and realization of rights for such persons in the world.

Most importantly, there was a broad debate between the state delegations on how to ratify and implement effectively the new Convention in the UN Member States and how to incorporate other matters related to persons with disabilities as urgent matters in the Millennium Development Goals – MDG.

Kosovo Exhibition

Among many activities that took place during these four days of this international conference, we would like to mention the exhibition with artistic photos of authentic culture of persons with disabilities that was prepared and organized by the NGO Little People of Kosova, which presented this global innovative idea and the specific way of expressing life and culture derived from the experience and invalidity. The message that this exhibition conveyed to the participants was to bring to an end the silence and secrecy regarding differences, and rather encourage these people to show their differences as part of the identity of this category of world citizens.

The Kosovan exhibition at the UN that was organized under our state flag, unfolded for the first time ever inside the UN Headquarters in New York, successfully proved to the entire world the need to establish and develop an authentic culture of persons with disabilities, which could be easily identified and serve as a tool to promote the new Convention and as a specific instrument in fighting against discrimination in the world.

Author of this exhibition was H. Apuk, who used the opportunity to give a photo to the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, with the message for “Keeping the promise on Millennium Development Goals – MDG.”

Kosovo participation at the UN in New York 01 – 04 September 2010

Diana Toska at the Kosovo Exhibition at the UN in New York

DISABILITY CULTURE: BEGINNINGS

© by Institute on Disability Culture, 2011, All Rights ReservedBy Steven E. Brown

The modern disability rights movement began during the last half of the twentieth century, when people with disabilities around the world began to successfully challenge dominant social stereotypes. An overwhelming need for political change dominated other endeavors because of a legacy of oppression. Political activism led to passage of national laws, like the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, and international ones, such as the 2006 United Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but other avenues of expression also developed.

A significant discussion about language and its meaning raged in the 1980s in a new outlet: the disability press. American magazines Mainstream, the Disability Rag, and Mouth, discussed these changes in articles written primarily by individuals with disabilities. One of the most important results of these debates was a (r)evolution in the perception of disability from weak and discounted to strong and valued. A traditional antipathy to identification as an individual with a disability turned into pride in both individual and group strength.

One approach to the cultural characteristics of people with disabilities is through isolating historical facts and myths into positive and negative groupings, such as those that follow:

NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES and some POSITIVE COUNTERPARTS

Weakness StrengthSickness WellnessIncapacity AbilityIsolation Peer SupportAlienation IdentityInstitutionalization IntegrationOppression ResilienceVictimization ChoiceDevaluation PrideInability to act "normally" New ways of doing things

People with disabilities throughout the world awakened to our positive

attributes. In the process we began to recognize that we have many reasons to be proud of who we are, both as individuals and as a group. I've used that belief to define Disability Culture:

“People with disabilities have forged a group identity. We share a common history of oppression and a common bond of resilience. We generate art, music, literature, and other expressions of our lives, our culture, infused from our experience of disability. Most importantly, we are proud of ourselves as people with disabilities. We claim our disabilities with pride as part of our identity. We are who we are: we are people with disabilities.” (Brown, 1996 and 2003)

Brown, Steven E. (2003). Movie Stars and Sensuous Scars: Essays on the Journey from Disability Shame to Disability Pride. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse.

ROADS WITHOUT SIDEWALKS – A STEP FORWARD

(Urban design)

In towns and villages in the US and Europe are being constructed roads without sidewalks, with painted lines on the asphalt which mark sidewalks and parking areas. This type of road construction is cheaper and provides equal access to all users and presents one of the world standards of the new urban design. When will this happen in Kosovo?

CREATIVITY OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL DISABILITIES

In the US and Europe are developing new and tangible professions for people with limited abilities. Good results have been achieved in florist greenhouses and fruit tree grafting by persons with mental disabilities. These people should be given the chance to prove their creativity. It costs very little to the state to make its citizens happy.

THINGS CLOSE TO YOU

www.telestik.com

The product called TeleStik is an excellent assisting tool dedicated to persons with disabilities and persons that have physical problems to enable their easier access to some necessary things, whether they are on the floor, table, shelves... more on this assisting tool may be found in their website.

NEW SCOOTERS

It is the world's lightest scooter for persons that have difficulties to move. Without batteries it weighs only 16kg, and with them it weighs 22 kg. This scooter can be easily folded and is very suitable for travelling. It is produced in the US and Europe (Germany). For more information, see their website.

www.travelscoot.com

Steven Brown

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Elegance, style and rhythm are the required beauties which lead to secure victory. Wheelchair dance sport involves persons with physical disability that affects lower limbs. Wheelchair dancers may participate in “combi”-style dancing with an able-bodied (standing) partner or duo-dance for two wheelchair users together. Standard dances include the waltz, tango, foxtrot and quickstep. Latin-American dances include the samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba and paso doble. There are formation dances for four, six or eight couples dancing in formation. In 1977, the first international competition in Wheelchair Dance Sport took place in Sweden. After several regional and international competitions, the first World Championship was held in Japan in 1998. And from that tim on it was considered a paraolympic sport. International Paraolympic Wheelchair Dance Sport Committee (IPWDSC) incorporates modified rules of International Dance Sport Federation (IDSF). Wheelchair Dance Sport is widely practiced by athletes in 19 countries.

THE BEAUTY OF WHEELCHAIR DANCE

Queen Elisabeth and sportsEleanor Simmonds was born in 1994 in Britain with achondroplasia, which left her underdeveloped and disproportionately short. This did not prevent her to become the youngest world double champion in swimming in the Paraolympic games held in Beijing (China) in 2008. She won two gold medals in freestyle swimming in 100 m and 400 m. Great Britain welcomed with dignity its youngest champion by proclaiming her the athlete of the year 2008, while some well-known companies rewarded her for this world success. In February 2009, The Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II awarded Eleonor Simmonds the Order of British Empire and appointed her Member of the Order of British Empire. Thus, Simmonds with only

14 years of age became the youngest member in the history of this Empire.

Eleanor Simmonds

KOSOVAR CHAMPION

PARAOLYMPIC SPORTS

SHOOTINGShooting is a test of accuracy, strength and concentration of the athlete. This sport is widespread for athletes with disabilities (including cerebral paralysis, spinal cord injury, amputations...) and is divided into three functional disability classes. The competition takes place either individually or in teams. Competition can either be done standing or on wheelchairs. Shooting is governed by the IPC and coordinated by the IPC Shooting Technical Committee following the modified rules of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Currently, 37 countries compete in this sport and their number increases every day. This sport originates from Rome and began to be practiced in 1960.

Queen Elisabeth II and Eleanor Simmonds.

Daut Bytyqi

Daut Bytyqi had broken the world record in shot put the Fourth World Dwarf Games held in 2005 in Rambouillet (France). He not only won the title of world champion, but his record has not been overcome yet and Kosovo continues to be number one in the world in this sport. This record was reported by all media at that time, but from that time until today, despite many promises from our leaders, nobody ever did anything to show respect for him or to improve a little the difficult life of this Kosovo champion. He is waiting very long for a job and lives in extreme poverty with 8 other members of his family (all with disabilities) in village Shkoz¸, municipality of Malisheva.

Daut Bytyqi never received any letter of appreciation or support from our institutions to be able at least to continue sports activities. He is thankful with all his heart for this gift of God, and trained in the streets of his neighbourhood, at least, as he says, to be in good shape. I do not expect any gratitude but I could represent Kosovo in the world. With this talent of mine, our state could be recognized by many more countries. This is my destiny, I do not have a Queen to recognize and appreciate my values as a person with disabilities.

2012

PARAOLYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON

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It does not happen that often to be inspired by activities that are traditionally PTK building in Dardania neighbourhood, the organized in our country during the end-of-year holidays. Beautification, Program X21 offers a unique opportunity for re-decoration of streets, bars, squares or visits and delivery of presents by the socialisation of persons with Down syndrome and for public officials to show attention and care for vulnerable and marginalized strengthening them to have an independent life. Every day for over a year now, social groups. Besnik, Adrian, Nazim and Cadi are looking after the maintenance of cafeteria X21 In our country, organization and mobilization of associations and and serving coffee and other beverages.communities to support vulnerable social groups that do not receive proper services is becoming more and more important aspect Individuals with Down Syndrome made sure to surprise their in the field of human rights protection and in providing families, community members and many volunteers and services to them. As such, every day they deliver associates by giving them postcards and very tasty sweets during a meaningful messages that would help with integration party organized for their families and close associates. of their members in the society. Such an impressive and inspiring activity was According to Shqipe Surdulli, “The purpose of this activity was to organized at the premises of organization Down convey the message of young people with Down syndrome on their Syndrome Kosova, more precisely at Program X21. skills and desires to be integrated into the society. Further, Ms. This less known and less frequented cafeteria of the Surdulli added that these sweets and postcards that were prepared capital city, at the end of the year served sweets and carefully and with delicacy show best how much they want to have postcards prepared by individuals with Down an independent life and convince us that we must respect their syndrome. wishes.

At the very warm and friendly environment next to the www.downsyndromekosova.org

Kosovo Association of the Deaf is the umbrella of the Deaf signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the legal organisation of 11 local associations of the deaf in Kosovo. infrastructure on training, vocational re-training and employment of persons with KAD advocates for the deaf community who use the sign disabilities and in cooperation of stakeholders in vocational training to learn and

language in order for them to have equal opportunities in the society. Its main interpret the sign language, receive information easier and for equal access of the objective is to help efforts of the deaf community to contribute in economic, deaf community in the society. social and cultural life in Kosovo. The association is member of the World Intensive trainings were attended by 14 persons (7 interpreters of sign language and 7 Federation of the Deaf. deaf persons). The training program was focused on the theory and practice of sign

language interpretation. Project lasted for 3 months, from October – December 2010.Making the sign language an official language in Kosovo

Training for deaf communityAfter three years of efforts of the working group to make the sign language an official language in Kosovo, with the support of Kosovo Association of the In September 2010, KAD started the project of providing training for deaf community Deaf and Office of Good Governance / Office of the Prime Minister and with on human rights, particularly on the rights of people with disabilities by using various the support Finnish Association of the Deaf and Finnish Ministry of Foreign national and international materials. This project included 11 local associations of the Affairs, on 29 September the Government of Republic of Kosovo decided to deaf and employed 11 local coordinators (deaf persons) and interpreters of sign make the sign language an official language in the Republic of Kosovo. This language. is a historic decision for the deaf community and Kosovo became the first country in the Balkans to undertake such a step. The work on sign language

Training of Interpreters KAD has continued col lect ing information and documenting the

The last report of the Kosovo Association of the Deaf 2010 on the living Kosovo sign language as language of standard of the deaf in Republic of Kosovo, 98% of the deaf community did the deaf community. The working not have access to information of Kosovo institutions. Therefore, there is an group together wi th research immediate need for interpreters of signs in order to provide them equal assistants worked in processing more access in the society. than 550 signs and 50 sentences in the Kosovo Association of the Deaf continued interpreter training in 2010, which sign language, which are expected to included two groups of students. The first group of students was accredited be published in the early 2011. Thus, in June and the second group is expected to be accredited in the beginning publication will be a collection of a sign of 2011. language DVD and a dictionary. In October 2010, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and Kosovo Association

KOSOVO ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF

2011 IS THE TIME FOR KOSOVO INSTITUTIONS TO START THEIR ACTIVITIES

Pristina: K-MDRI and 'Ne për Ne' (We limited intellectual capacities are not yet we will continue to put pressure, for ourselves) are two organizations a priority of Kosovo Institutions and because institutions are obliged dedicated to the promotion of human citizens with mental disabilities continue to treat all citizens equally, and rights of mentally disabled persons in to be part of the most discriminated should not neglect citizens with Kosovo, and with the support of group of people in the country. She also disabilities.” Therefore, these two KFOS/ OSI - Mental Health Initiative, stresses that “in its work, K-MDRI has organizations in 2011 expect that are presently implementing the project monitored the implementation of the the quality of life for persons with Support Integration, Stop Isolation. National Plan on Disability and has limited intellectual capacities will As result of their work until now, confirmed that the objectives of this plan improve and that institutions will astonishing successes have been regarding the life of citizens with begin to take their responsibilities achieved in recognition and disabilities have not yet started to be and make positive changes. empowerment of advocates with implemented.” Whereas, according to limited intellectual capacities. These Fatime Berisha, self-advocator with Zamira Hyseni Duraku, two organizations have also limited intellectual capacity and Executive Directorsucceeded to increase the awareness representative of 'Ne per Ne' (We for Kosovo Mental Disability Rights among youth in Kosovo and Ourselves), “in 2011, Kosovo institutions Initiative contribute in reducing prejudice for should implement laws and strategies Str. Nena Tereze 30-C/1 No.2; 10000 people with limited intellectual on disabled persons and should reform Prishtine, Kosovecapacities. Zamira Hyseni Duraku, them in compliance with the Tel: +386 43 76 70 71; Executive Director of K-MDRI says International Convention on the Rights that human rights of persons with of Persons with Disabilities. Otherwise,

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In the photo: Zamira Hyseni, Ardian Kabashi & Fatime Berisha during a lecture at the Department of Psychology in the University of Prishtina.

“THERE IS NO DEMOCRACY WITHOUT US”

Non-discrimination and inclusion in the society

RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

- Mr. Afrim Maliqi, you are Director managed to provide rehabilitation services to 492 children by providing 29,746 treatments such as physical and psychomotor rehabilitation, which of the biggest NGO in Kosovo, are services provided by our organisation. Last year we have also HendiKOS, could you tell us about managed to visit directly in their families, examine and register in the

your activities in the 2010?database 825 children and adults with disabilities living all over Kosovo. In addition to visits, HandiKOS has distributed 325 wheelchairs, 44 walking

The main purpose of our aids, 204 pairs of crutches and other sanitary equipment for people with organisation is integration and full disabilities. participation of persons with It should be mentioned that last year we have organized an active disabilities in the society. In order to rehabilitation camp in Montenegrin Coast (Ulqin), which is organized achieve this purpose, we have set regularly in the last ten years. This ten-day camp was attended by 150 3 main objectives: persons (children and adults) with disabilities from different parts of - To advocate and lobby for Kosovo.

developing legislation on In order to increase awareness of the public and develop policies on people with disabilities, we have developed various video clips, human rights of persons with documentaries and television debates and we have posted billboards, disabilities based on international conventions on human rights and on the posters and issued instructions on the people with disabilities. For developing implementation of existing laws. capacities of persons with disabilities and of local and central authorities, we - To provide services for children and adults with disabilities through 14 have held workshops, seminars and trainings all over Kosovo.

centres and 12 local offices; and

- Economic independence of persons with disabilities.- Is there any hope that the status of persons with disabilities in 2011 will

be improved in the Republic of Kosovo?In 2010 HandiKOS carried out many activities for the welfare of persons with disabilities, to increase their awareness and the awareness of the society as well

In 2001, HandiKOS expects institutional support in addressing the needs of as to provide the necessary services for them. Through 14 RBB centres we have persons with disabilities, in order not to rely all the time on foreign donors. We also expect to see implementation of existing laws and development of those that are still missing and we expect the people with disabilities to be put in the agenda of the government and institutions of Republic of Kosovo.

- What would be your message for our readers?

Persons with disabilities have different needs and they should have equal rights, meaning that they should not be considered as second class citizens.

HANDICAP KOSOVA

NGO “Handicap Kosova” was established on 22.02.2001 with primary mission to increase awareness of the society

for the rights of persons with disabilities. It has developed and implemented a large number of projects related to advocacy, improvement of living conditions and social inclusion of people with disabilities, projects that had to do with higher education and training of persons with disabilities for their employment and organization of cultural and sports activities.

Television Programme ”ZËRI YNË” (Our Voice)

This project was about broadcasting a special television program called “ZËRI YNË” (Our Voice) dedicated to persons with disabilities. The program was broadcasted on the National Television RTV 21 during the morning program. It began to be broadcasted in 2007 whereas in 2010 were broadcasted 6 programs funded by the KCSF (Kosovo Civil Society Foundation).

“Employment opportunities for persons with disabilities”

Persons with disabilities will be informed with working activities, will feel more capable, develop self-confidence and break the prejudice of the society. They will be active part of the society for as long as they work and through this project they will obtain the work experience required for being successful in social and economic life.This project will last one year starting from 01.05.2010 through 01.05.2011. After contracting institutions, companies and NGOs that offer jobs for people with disabilities, 10 persons with disabilities were employed. Project is funded by Foundation for an Open Society - SOROS.

Let's end institutional discrimination by promoting the voice of persons with disabilities in the media”

Project activities will last 18 months and will be funded by the European Commission Liaison Office. The project aims at training journalists, persons with disabilities, NGOs and institutions on human rights of persons with disabilities and on the disability and the media.

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Handicap Kosova

Contact person: Gëzim Abazi

Address: Rr.”HIL MOSI” nr.5,10000, Prishtinë

Tel: +377 (44) 249 822

E-mail: zarsye@yahoo.com

Prishtina, 03 December 2010

NGO “Hendikos” organized a march under the motto “There is no democracy without us” to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. On this occasion Afrim Maliqi stressed that this category of citizens is not happy with how they are treated by our institutions.

Prishtina, 03 December 2010.

On the occasion of marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Office of Good Governance organized a conference where the NGO representatives requested from the Government of Kosovo to contribute more in the fight against discrimination, respect for human rights, in particular the rights of persons with disabilities, and at the same time facilitate a better inclusion in the society.

10 December 2010, Prishtina

Marking the International Day of Human Rights, Office of Good Governance in cooperation with the OSCE and UN Office, organized a conference to present achievements and challenges faced by institutions of Republic of Kosovo in upholding and applying European and international standards on human rights in relation to persons with disabilities and their participation in social life on equal basis.

Afrim Maliqi

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