The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabic said today at the gathering marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities that, in Serbia, there is still no possibility for all persons with disabilities to vote independently. "That is unacceptable," said Brnabic, speaking at the second meeting of the Informal Parliamentary Group for the Improvement of the Position of Persons with Disabilities.
She stated that it is everyone's obligation to build a more inclusive society in which everyone has the possibility and opportunity to realize all their potential. Brnabic pointed out that as prime minister she had the opportunity to work with various associations on projects they initiated and bring some of them to a successful completion. She said that she wanted to transfer this cooperation and the opportunity to be heard to the Assembly and added that so far a lot has been done to improve the general conditions, but that is only the beginning. In this context, she reminded that textbooks were introduced, for the first time, in Serbian sign language, an application was provided for free SOS calls, electronic certificates so that people with disabilities would not have to prove their disability every year, and that the fines for parking in places for persons with disabilities have been doubled. With the help of the EU, she said, a specialised vehicle was provided for transporting people with disabilities. "But this cannot depend on the good will of the public administration," stressed the Parliament Speaker. Brnabic said that the parliament is open to all citizens, to all associations of persons with disabilities and it is the right place for discussions on topics related to the improvement of conditions for persons with disabilities. Brnabic emphasised the importance of the fact that the Parliamentary Group is composed of members of the ruling coalition as well as the opposition, which shows that there are some topics that are above politics. "It is important to open this home to all of our citizens," she said.
Speaking of the employment of people with disabilities, Brnabic said that this is not only important for them, but for the whole country. "If we include them, we will be a fairer economy, as well as a much richer country. We need to ensure that every member of our society fulfils their full potential, every millimetre made in that direction means a lot for the whole society," said Brnabic. The second meeting of the Informal Parliamentary Group for the Improvement of the Position of Persons with Disabilities is dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the presentation of the ODIHR Report on the accessibility of the National Assembly. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December, has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992, with the aim of promoting understanding of disability issues and mobilising support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
Source: TANJUG