Innovative practices in Bulgaria
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The Activities of the National Social Rehabilitation Center: Programs and Established Models
National Center for Social Rehabilitation - Sofia
Background
The National Social Rehabilitation Center (NSRC) is one of the largest Bulgarian organizations that provide social services to disabled people. It was established in 1991 and has gradually expanded its activities thanks to its close cooperation with local and national authorities. In 1996, the organization was awarded national status by a Council of Ministers decision. At present, NSRC has 60 employees. Its founders worked as volunteers and the first paid staff were appointed under the temporary employment program. NSRC has a sustainable self-funding and financial management strategy but is always looking for moral support on behalf of the society.
The National Social Rehabilitation Center (NSRC) is one of the largest Bulgarian organizations that provide social services to disabled people. It was established in 1991 and has gradually expanded its activities thanks to its close cooperation with local and national authorities. In 1996, the organization was awarded national status by a Council of Ministers decision. At present, NSRC has 60 employees. Its founders worked as volunteers and the first paid staff were appointed under the temporary employment program. NSRC has a sustainable self-funding and financial management strategy but is always looking for moral support on behalf of the society.
Practice
NSRC s programs are aimed at providing resources for disabled people s social integration:
Supply of technical means, such as wheelchairs, toilet seats, crutches, canes, etc., and related training, information and maintenance;
Information, consultations and mediation services for disabled people and their families are provided daily by NSRC s social services desks;
Specialized transport services. Annually, approximately 10,000 persons are transported in 4,000 trips. Transport services are provided by five minibuses;
Day care centers for disabled children: The St. Mina day care center caters to 25 children on a daily. Approximately 30 children come here only for consultations or rehabilitation. More day care centers are to be opened soon in Sofia and Bourgas (the reconstruction of the buildings is almost completed);
Training:
- of disabled people: computer literacy, foreign languages, administrative and communication skills;
- of staff: a training course in Belgium for NSRC experts, as well as professional and motivational trainings in Bulgaria;
- of experts: annual seminars on the social integration of disabled people attended by social workers, experts, institutions and NGOs;
Humanitarian assistance: NSRC has a wide-scale charity program and has donated equipment to many social institutions, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities;
Public relations: activities aimed at raising the awareness on disabled people s rights, on the opportunities offered by NSRC, on problems and possible solutions.
NSRC s programs are aimed at providing resources for disabled people s social integration:
Supply of technical means, such as wheelchairs, toilet seats, crutches, canes, etc., and related training, information and maintenance;
Information, consultations and mediation services for disabled people and their families are provided daily by NSRC s social services desks;
Specialized transport services. Annually, approximately 10,000 persons are transported in 4,000 trips. Transport services are provided by five minibuses;
Day care centers for disabled children: The St. Mina day care center caters to 25 children on a daily. Approximately 30 children come here only for consultations or rehabilitation. More day care centers are to be opened soon in Sofia and Bourgas (the reconstruction of the buildings is almost completed);
Training:
- of disabled people: computer literacy, foreign languages, administrative and communication skills;
- of staff: a training course in Belgium for NSRC experts, as well as professional and motivational trainings in Bulgaria;
- of experts: annual seminars on the social integration of disabled people attended by social workers, experts, institutions and NGOs;
Humanitarian assistance: NSRC has a wide-scale charity program and has donated equipment to many social institutions, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities;
Public relations: activities aimed at raising the awareness on disabled people s rights, on the opportunities offered by NSRC, on problems and possible solutions.
Results
Since 1996, NSRC awards the Contribution to the Welfare of Disabled People in Bulgaria annual prize. The bronze statuette is designed by sculptor Georgi Kostadinov and is awarded to statesmen, politicians, diplomats and reporters who have made an exceptional contribution to the welfare of disabled people.
NSRC is building a rehabilitation and training center for disabled youth in Pomorie. The young people would be able to stay at the facility for a period of 20 to 40 days annually. The center will provide kinetic therapy, psycho taining, logopaedic assistance, computer and foreign language training, social skills training, sports and entertainment.
Disabled people in Sofia receive assistance in applying for and getting the new identification papers.
Since 1996, NSRC awards the Contribution to the Welfare of Disabled People in Bulgaria annual prize. The bronze statuette is designed by sculptor Georgi Kostadinov and is awarded to statesmen, politicians, diplomats and reporters who have made an exceptional contribution to the welfare of disabled people.
NSRC is building a rehabilitation and training center for disabled youth in Pomorie. The young people would be able to stay at the facility for a period of 20 to 40 days annually. The center will provide kinetic therapy, psycho taining, logopaedic assistance, computer and foreign language training, social skills training, sports and entertainment.
Disabled people in Sofia receive assistance in applying for and getting the new identification papers.
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