A project under PHARE ACCESS 2000 has been implemented in the municipality of Momchilgrad. An information center for adults and people with disabilities has been established under the project. This has created an opportunity to study the needs and the wishes of the three organizations, of the hearing impaired, vision impaired and motion impaired people. Following a series of consultations to clarify application procedures, two teams began the implementation of their ideas under FLGR s Social Environment Improvement Program, financially supported by Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The Makaza 2002 Association was to build ramps, while the Nov Zhivot Popular Community Center had to organize a sign language course for the hearing impaired.
The implementation of the project included:
1. Construction of ramps
2. A series of activities aimed at involving the people with disabilities in the cultural life of the city and the region and overcoming their social isolation
Ramps: A special survey was used to determine the places where ramps should be built. One of the ramps was at the busiest square in Momchilgrad. The construction works were contracted out through a public procurement procedure. The Municipality of Momchilgrad provided an additional financial contribution in the amount of BGN 1,500, in order to make the ramps compliant with the requirements of Ordinance No. 6 of 2003 on the establishment of an accessible environment in urbanized territories. A private company, Rhodopistroy 97 Ltd., also had a financial contribution.
Surveys: The initial survey of the citizens with disabilities provided information on the changes and the assistance they would like to see in everyday life: ramps to important buildings in Momchilgrad; opportunities to get information on their rights; meetings and contacts with individuals and organizations facing similar problems in other municipalities; opportunities for meetings and travel.
Establishment of clubs; concert; trip to Zlatograd: Free time opportunities were created for people with disabilities, as well as opportunities to increase their mobility and meet their interests. The Municipality of Momchilgrad contributed greatly in this respect. The participants in the cultural events and the trip shared that these were among the most important events in their lives.
Roundtable: A roundtable on the problems of the people with disabilities was held in March, 2004. Project results and future activities were presented at the roundtable.
Two ramps were built in Momchilgrad, to the Nov Zhivot Popular Community Center and to the Municipality. Work is in progress on the construction of a ramp at one of the large schools in town.
The combined efforts of the municipal administration, the People with Disabilities Board, the Volunteer Club and entrepreneurs provided a balance between people s needs and interests. The implementation of project activities provided the conditions required by the European legislation for a complete life of the people with disabilities, while at the same time reassuring the latter that the society hasn t forgotten them.
For additional information, please contact :
Mariana Bibinovska
Makaza 2002 Association
69, Makaza Street
6800 Momchilgrad
Tel.: (03631) 3172, (089) 858 6637
Fax: (03631) 2397
Email: [email protected]
Levent Hasan
Municipality of Momchilgrad
12, 26th December Street
6800 Momchilgrad
Tel./fax: (03631) 2397, (089) 992 3413
Email: [email protected]
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