Zlatograd Social Assistance Directorate data by June 30, 2003 indicate that 253 individuals with disabilities and reduced work capacity of up to 70% were receiving social assistance and the existence of 48 unemployed individuals with reduced work capacity of up to 70%. To deal with this issue, an Economic Development Strategy and an Employment Program were adopted that provide a review of the problem and the alternative employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

In an attempt to help the people of unequal status to find employment and enhance their social adaptation, the Municipality of Zlatograd established a Social Integration and Rehabilitation Center. The specialists employed at the Center used surveys to study the needs of the people with disabilities. The results indicated that most of the people with disabilities needed rehabilitation, legal and psychological assistance and social protection. 29 of the interviewed had no one to take care of them and lived alone and isolated. All interviewed persons with disabilities of working age wished to go through professional re-training courses and to have adequate employment opportunities provided.

The project was implemented from December 1, 2003 through November 30, 2004 by the Municipality of Zlatograd in cooperation with local NGOs under the Social Integration Project. The latter is financed by EU PHARE, with the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works in the capacity of contracting agency.

The existing Social Integration and Rehabilitation Center, Information and Training Center and Information and Administrative Services Center were consolidated and upgraded to provide services to people with disabilities. Experts were hired to expand support for the special needs of the target group: a legal expert, 3 rehabilitators, 10 technical and administrative assistants, 2 social workers, a psychologist, 3 training experts, 30 personal assistants and 16 staff for home care teams.

The following major activities were implemented under the project:

- Organization of courses for personal assistants and home care staff, courses on basic communication skills, organizational and administrative skills , as well as practical computer skills;

- The psychological consultancy was established and provided 34 consultations;

- 152 rehabilitations were conducted;

- The legal consultancy provided 36 consultations;

- Social Activities Bureau 316 social consultations and other services provided;

- Employment was provided to 58 individuals from the target group;

- Salary subsidies were provided for the employment of people with disabilities: legal expert, rehabilitators, 10 technical and administrative assistants, 30 personal assistants and 16 staff for the home care teams;

- A hotline was established.

The social services available to the people with disabilities were expanded.

New opportunities for employment and professional training of people with disabilities were created.

The Social Integration and Rehabilitation Center employs experts that support the special needs of the target group.

The project helped improve the employment opportunities available to people with disabilities and to the members of their families.

The salaries of positions for people with disabilities were subsidized. The purchase of support equipment helped provide adequate working conditions to the newly employed people with disabilities.

The Social Integration and Rehabilitation provided 538 quality services to people with disabilities. 56 labor contracts and 4 civil contracts were signed with people with disabilities. A hotline was established for the target group.