The idea was generated by a public discussion. The Union of Disabled Persons in Bulgaria, Bratsigovo decided to participate in its implementation, in active partnership with the municipal management, the Retired Person s Club, the Social Assistance Directorate, individual citizens and supporters. Having conducted a survey among the people with disabilities, the association s team developed a project that was approved for funding by FLGR/MOTT. The implementation began in September, 2003.

The project was presented to the public and a team was formed to implement the planned activities. A survey was organized together with the Social Assistance Directorate to find out what disabled people think about involvement in such an initiative. The analysis of the responses indicated that the people need information on specific social assistance and health issues. The fact that their own organization was implementing the project motivated them and made them feel recognized. Every Club member declared willingness to participate in project activities.

A series of lectures and discussions for members of the Disabled Person s Club began in January, 2004. These were organized by the Club, with the support of the Social Assistance Directorate. The lectures were on legal, social and health topics. There were also discussions with questions and answers on specific social and health problems. These lectures were something new and very interesting for the people, which resulted in lively discussions.

Building renovation. In May, the Club members renovated the building by using own labor and materials purchased with project funds. The students from the Professional High School of Construction and Architecture also got involved in the renovation effort by plastering the building s exterior. The building is now ready to meet its hosts and visitors. The Club was officially opened on July 6, 2004 by UDPB Bratsigovo s chairperson, Mrs. Elena Todovchina. All members of the Association, representatives of local authorities, project partners and citizens were invited to the opening.

Construction of access ramps at two of the buildings most frequently visited by the people with disabilities (the clinic and the post office). The construction was planned for April, but was delayed due to bad weather. In early June the contractor, Bratya Pashkulevi Ltd., began the construction. Two ramps were built at the clinic and the post office. The Municipality provided full support by issuing drawings and permits for the construction works. The architectural plans were developed with the assistance of the employees at the Urban Planning and Architecture Department of the Municipality, and more specifically architect V. Kantardzhiev who embraced the idea and developed the drawings for free.

Today, the first disabled access ramps in Bratsigovo are a fact and the people with disabilities can visit these needed places with more ease.

The whole community learned about the initiative of the Club and responded to the problems of the disabled people. Many companies made donations to the Club: benches for the Club donated by lumbering companies, chairs and tables donated by other businesses. Everyone helped as much as they could and the people with disabilities realized the most important fact that they are not alone.

The implementation of the project gave the UDPB Bratsigovo team confidence that the problems of the disabled can be solved by common efforts.

For additional information, please contact :

Stefka Kazakova

4579 Bratsigovo

21, Bratsigovska Komuna Street

Tel.: (088) 944 2581

Email: [email protected]