The main goal of the project

The project aims to protect and support the rights of people with disabilities, which is in line with the 2014-2016 action plan of the Government of Georgia on providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Along with the above, the project is based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention has been signed and ratified by Georgia.

Target group

persons with disabilities;

Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (DPOs);

LSI Social Services Agency;

ministries;

local government.

Description of activities

People with disabilities are often victims of discrimination in the employment market. One of the main activities of ASB Georgia - providing social services - was used as a tool for long-term and sustainable employment of disabled people and their family members. 8 social service provider organizations in the regions of Georgia were financed.

Targeted PR campaigns and debates will help raise public awareness, so several public debates have been held during the project, and PR/advocacy campaigns are underway.

A study of factors hindering the effective functioning of advisory councils was conducted and trainings tailored to needs and focused on capacity building were conducted.

Special attention was paid to strengthening the family members of disabled persons by promoting their participation in the decision-making process at the local level.

Innovative approach - "Disabled person for disabled person"

In three municipalities of Georgia, an innovative consulting service "Disabled person for disabled person" was introduced. The main idea behind this approach is to train people with disabilities to gain the competence and confidence to provide basic information and services to other people with disabilities and their family members who face certain barriers and challenges.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the changed agenda

The sudden spread of the virus changed the agenda everywhere, and our project was no exception. Due to the imposed restrictions and the current situation in the country, it became impossible to carry out a number of activities in the mode that was planned within the framework of the project. In addition, the needs in the country have changed and the implementation of immediate humanitarian and emergency support services has come to the fore. That is why, after consultations with the European Union, ASB Georgia made changes to the project budget and allocated 75,000 GEL for responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, 15 organizations were financed in the regions of Georgia, which provided food and hygiene items / various emergency social services to the population most affected by the pandemic.

A small grant competition for local social service providers. A total of 340,000 GEL was disbursed, 8 organizations in 6 regions of Georgia were financed, 39 people were employed, and 90 beneficiaries received various social services.

24 women passed the women's empowerment training course;

Advocacy workshop - attended by 18 people;

Public debate - 441 people attended;

Covid-19 response program - 75,000 GEL was allocated to 15 organizations throughout Georgia.

Disabled person for disabled person - a unique service was introduced in Georgia - 30 people used the service.