11.12.2023

THE AGENCY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OFFERS MORE DELICATE CONDITIONS FOR FINANCING PROJECTS FOR REHABILITATION AND INTEGRATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy publishes for public discussion proposals for changes in the methodology for financing projects for rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities. The main reasons for the amendments are to facilitate the conditions for applying for funding from the Agency for People with Disabilities and to facilitate the procedure for evaluating and ranking the competitive proposals. The purpose of the changes is to increase the interest in the rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities, which creates the conditions for their more complete inclusion in society.

It is envisaged that the application for funding will be made with fewer documents and the requirement for submission of documents available in public registers will be eliminated. Application restrictions will also be minimized. It is envisaged that the condition for the lack of connectivity of the candidates in terms of their participation in general governing bodies, as well as the condition for a compulsory participation for the implementation of the competition proposals. The proposed changes create a clearer, more relief and transparent procedure in the evaluation and ranking of projects by the Agency for People with Disabilities.

The changes aim to encourage the participation of more non -profit organizations, carrying out activities related to people with disabilities who can currently receive funding because they are in small settlements and do not have the necessary capacity, staff and budget for the implementation of projects under the program. Creating the opportunity to finance such organizations will help people with disabilities living in smaller settlements who, due to their low income and get the rehabilitation they need.

Non-profit organizations for people with disabilities can apply for the program funding - legal entities registered under the Law on Non-Profit Legal Persons for Performing Public Help, as well as nationally represented organizations of people with disabilities registered under the Cooperatives Act.