The changing socio-economic environment in Bulgaria in the transition period influences to a large extent the social status of the people with disabilities. The structural changes, the inaccessible architectural environment and other factors increase the social isolation of these people. The restrictions of the surrounding environment create much larger barriers to social involvement than the functional disabilities of these individuals.

Social Assistance Directorate data indicate that there are 620 disabled persons living within the municipality of Svoge. Almost all of them are members of the Union of Disabled People in Bulgaria, Svoge. These people account for 3% of the municipality s total population of 26,000. To some extent, they are isolated from society and need to be actively involved in the socio-economic and cultural life and an adapted urban environment. A team of UDPB Svoge members and the municipal management assumed the commitment to create a more favorable urban environment for these people.

The project was implemented within 10 months (October, 2003 July, 2004), under FLGR s Social Environment Improvement Program, with the financial support of Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

The project was implemented in two parallel stages:

Stage 1. Development of an accessible urban environment (low curbs)

These activities were implemented by a company selected under the Public Procurement Act. Apart from building low curbs at key street crossing points, the Municipality of Svoge, in its capacity of a partner under the project, built a concrete ground and a small garden in front of the Disabled People s Club.

Stage 2. Implementation of program activities

The main goal was to provide the people with disabilities better opportunities to get involved in the cultural life, to improve their awareness and social activity. This was achieved by:

- establishing a singing group;

- organizing chess and backgammon competitions;

- establishing a Handiwork Club, comprised of women producing hand-made items;

- organizing exhibitions;

- providing conditions for contacts and entertainment;

- organizing holiday celebrations (December 3^rd, Easter, etc.);

- lectures and trainings;

- building local partnerships between interested individuals and organizations (Social Assistance Directorate, hospital; Medical Center I; local business representatives).

The celebration of the International Day of the Disabled on December 3 was met with great anticipation. Workshops and discussions were held on the problems of the people with disabilities, as well as on the opportunities for social environment improvements. A meeting was organized fort the exchange of practices with the disabled people from Pravets. Information on project activities was periodically published in the local media (TV and newspaper).

Significant improvements were made with regard to the accessibility of the urban environment. Publicity was given to the problems of the disadvantaged people; the health, social and legal awareness of project beneficiaries was increased. Public support and compassion were encouraged, new members joined the association.

The Municipality increased its understanding and created conditions for the formulation of a comprehensive equal opportunity policy for the disabled, aimed at improving the quality of their lives and their social involvement. The policy is consistent with the priorities incorporated in the national government s plan for the 2001 2005 period.

For additional information, please contact :

Stanimira Hekimova

Senior Inspector, Social Activities

Municipality of Svoge

7, Al. Stamboliiski Street

2260 Svoge

Tel.: (0726) operator 85, ext. 36, (088) 764 7820

Email: [email protected]

Iliya Vachev

Chair

UDPB Svoge

2, Zvanche Street

2260 Svoge

Tel.: (0726) 2418