National alliance for social responsibility - news
National Alliance for Social Responsibility has been privileged to participate in the First European Fair of social enterprises and cooperatives of persons with disabilities in Plovdiv from 29 March to 1 April.
The Plovdiv Fair hosted the event. It involved 84 companies from Bulgaria, Belgium, Italy, Romania and Serbia. It is conducted for the first time in our country and follows the 10-year tradition of the national exhibition of the National union of worker producers cooperatives. The event was organized with the support of: the European Commission, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, the European Confederation of production cooperatives and social enterprises (CECOP), Agency for Persons with Disabilities, International Fair Plovdiv.
“This event is an expression of our political will to achieve the objectives of the strategy "Europe 2020" for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and social performance of business initiative to create a favorable environment for social enterprises”, was said in a congratulatory message of the Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, read by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Totio Mladenov.
During the conference of 29.03.2012, as part of the presentation, the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor, commented that it is proposed to set up special programs to help such companies from EU funds. The President of the National Union of cooperatives Stilian Balasopulov offered the Commissioner to be created a guarantee fund for social enterprises where most of the amounts of approved projects could be received in advance.
NASO took part in the event with a stand where were presented products of the following organizations: Foundation "Empathy" Foundation "Roden krai" Center for family-type accommodation “Sianie”, "Future for the disabled", “Hobisclub”, "Empathy” Silistra, “Vision”, and some individuals such as: Nikolina Nikolova, Ivo Kiselov, Mila Kiselova, Tatiana Ganeva, Dimo Valtchev, Venelin Petkov, Maria Marinova Neviana Dimitrova, Veselin Smokov Milena Yalnazov, Krasimir Marinov, Nina Marinova.
On 22 and 23 March in Dobrich, NASO’s President Mr. G. Georgiev and the Social Services Coordinator of NASO Krasimira Markova, took part in the extended meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Network for Children. Besides the members of the Management and Supervisory Board, the meeting was attended by members of the Network of the North Eastern Region.
They discussed issues such as the strategy of the National Network for Children for the period 2013-2015, the work with the state institutions, the awards "Golden Apple", the General Assembly of the Network in June and others.
On 8th and 9th of March was held a Board meeting of EASPD in Nuremberg, Germany. NASO’s President Mr. G. Georgiev and the Social Services Coordinator of NASO K. Markova, took part in it.
At the meeting were commented the prospect of the services in the European Strategy for People with Disabilities 2010 – 2020, Cooperation with MEPs, The position of EASPD on the Act of Accessibility, EASPD position on the European Strategy for People with Disabilities 2010 – 2020, The development of the reports of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and others.
The meeting was held alongside the exhibition Werkstatten Messe at the exhibition center in NuernbergMesse.
Organizers of the fair were the Bavarian Ministry of Labour and NGO BAG WfbM /Werkstätten für behinderte Menschen: www.bagwfbm.eu/
The program of the exhibition also included the presentation of workshops for people with disabilities across Germany, lectures and forum for all topics related workshops and policies for people with disabilities.
Today, in The Club of The Members of The Parliament, had been opened an art exhibition, containing art work of persons with disabilities, the art exhibition was organized from The National Assembly and The National organizations of and for persons with disabilities.
The Exhibition was opened with a brief greeting speech by Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva on the behalf of The National Assembly of The Republic of Bulgaria. On the behalf of National representative organizations, greetings was given by Mr. Vasil Dolapchiev, Chairman of the National Union of Blind People for the ratification of The UN Convention of the rights of persons with disabilities, he also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity an art exhibition to be organized. Except the presence of the members of The Parliament, present to the event was also all National representative organizations. National Alliance for social responsibility participate with the art work of Mr. Dimo Valchev, Mrs. Milena Yalnazova and Mrs. Katina Gudjimisi.
National Alliance for Social Responsibility participate with paintings and icons in the exhibition of art works of persons with disabilities at the National Assembly of Republic of Bulgaria. The exhibition is organized at the initiative of the nationally represented organizations of and for persons with disabilities. The official opening of the exhibition will be held on 29.02.2012, from 11:00 to 11:30.
!!! Registrations are open on http://meandme.sous-slo.net !!!!!
EASPD conference:
“ME AND ME, Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities: Dual Diagnosis?”
Austria Trend Hotel, Ljubljana, 24-25. May 2012
People with intellectual disabilities are at higher risk of developing mental disorders in comparison to the general population. These disorders may also present themselves in different ways, which can mean they are not properly identified and therefore people do not receive the required support. Diagnosis and subsequent support processes can be challenging and complex, especially for people with severe and profound developmental disabilities.
EASPD, in close cooperation with the Slovenian umbrella organisation SOUS and two of its member organisations Zveva Soncek and CUDV Draga, is organising a conference “Me and Me. - Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities: Dual Diagnosis?”. This event will bring together important stakeholders and experts from all over Europe on the 24th and 25th of May 2012 in Ljubljana to discuss the topic of dual diagnosis.
We are honoured to have the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Danilo Türk, as a guest speaker.
We hereby invite you to participate at the conference. Registration, accommodation options and conference program: click here or via www.easpd.eu
Contact person: sonia.staskowiak@easpd.eu
Looking forward to meeting you in Ljubljana!
EASPD was requested by the European Commission to provide inputs in order to:
- - Develop a service providers' perspective in the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020
- - Contribute to the elaboration of the European Accessibility Act
NASO sent its input to the European Commission through EASPD.
There is an open procedure for discussions till 29.02.2012 at the following link
A work meeting was held in Brussels from 19th to 22nd of December. The work meeting was attended by Mr Georgi Georgiev – NASO president, Mrs Elka Todorova – member of the NASO board and president of NFRI, Mr Luke Zelderloo – EASPD General Secretary and Mr Michael Barrett from the COPE Foundation, Ireland along with other representatives from member organisations of the EASPD from France, Austria, The Netherlands, Belgium etc. One of the main topics discussed throughout the meeting was the future European partnership along the lines of a new project with the participation of NASO, NFRI and another 10 countries represented, all coordinated and led by the EASPD.
NASO accepts suggestions and comments on the project of Law for changes and additions to the Law for social supoort till 12.12.2011
project of a Law for changes and additions to the Law for social support(available only in Bulgarian language)motives for the project of a Law for changes and additions to the Law for social support(available only in Bulgarian language)
In the days between 8th and 11th of November, in relation to the celebration of EASPD’s 15th Anniversary, Mr. Georgi Georgiev and other NASO representatives conducted a series of work meetings on current and future European partnership of NASO and its members.
- Together with Mr. Franz Wolfmayr - President of EASPD & Mr. Luk Zelderloo - Secretary General of EASPD were discussed the most recent political events in Bulgaria and also the main structural points of the EASPD – NASO partnership in 2012.
There were also discussions on future partnership projects and conferences across Europe and Bulgaria. The traditional forum for service providers for persons with disabilities in Bulgaria is expected to be held in the first week of June, 2012.
For the remainder of the planned program, information will be made available on the NASO website.
- With the help of Ms. Bernadette Grosyeux & Ms. James Crowe, both members of the EASPD board, the main parameters for a future collaborative project were clarified.
- Together with Mr. Michael Barrett, were discussed & clarified the key parameters & starting points for the development of future projects focusing on employment in Bulgaria and partnership with over ten other member states.
- With the participation of Mr. Luk Zelderloo there was a special meeting held on the commencement of a partnership between NASO and the organizations of & for persons with disabilities in Turkey. The mainframe of a future partnership was drafted.
There were numerous other meetings and talks held during the busy program of the conference with the participation of experts & specialists from across Europe, which supported international cooperation and the development of NASO.
From 2nd to 11th of November 2011 at the European Youth Center in Strasbourg was held a course on 'new media in youth work'. The training course was organised by The Council of Europe's Youth Department & Directorate of Democratic Citizenship with the intention of developing the competence of workers engaged in youth work and the development of young leaders. Other goals were to teach attendees how to use new forms of media in projects on informal education and youth orientated work.
The course was attended by representatives from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Macedonia, Great Britain. The Bulgarian representative which attended the course was Ms Sophia Daneva – project and partnership coordinator for NASO. Discussed topics included human rights issues, new forms of media, the work of The Council of Europe, youth participation, criteria for standards of youth work, technical advice on using new media for the promotion of human rights.
On the 9th and 11th of November were held two EASPD board meetings. Mr. Georgi Georgiev, president of NASO, also attended the meetings. The board meeting agenda consisted of:
- passing of Budget 2012.
- display of presentations from EASPD members.
- presentation of new information by board members in relation to the aftermath of the recent economic downturn.
- acceptance of new board members.
During the board meeting a letter of appreciation was read out by Mr Georgi Georgiev, on behalf of NASO.
On 9th November 2011, at 11:30 was held the General Assembly of the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities - EASPD.
The main topics were:
- Acception of new members.
- Display of presentations from members.
- Passing of Budget 2012.
- Voting on a work plan for 2012.
A special Anniversary speech was given by EASPD president - Mr. Franz Wolfmayr.
On 9th November 2011, at 9:00 were held EASPD standing committees meetings. NASO's President Mr. Georgi Georgiev took part in the work of the Standing Committee on Enlargement and in the Standing Committee on Employment. As president of NASO, Mr Georgiev took part in introduction of Mr Michael Barrett of a partnership program with Bulgaria, which also includes participation of other countries as well. Steps toward implementation of the program were also laid out by Mr. Barrett.
The conference brought together key people from all over Europe, with the intention of demonstrating how powerful new technologies can considerably increase the independence of people with disabilities by using people-centred approach.
Key speakers from relevant groups and organisations discussed the issue from different perspectives in an attempt to reach an agreement on how to speed up the application of person-centered technology (PCT) further.
The main topics discussed, included:
- ethical approach toward accessibility of services related to PCT.
- necessity for education of personnel providing support
- areas in which PCT are to be used and the challenges arising from it.
- PCT application in the areas of education and work place environment.
These and other pressing topics were discussed during the conference, based on the activities which the ImPaCT in Europe project dealt with in the last 3 years: dissemination & display of such technologies amongst service providers all over Europe; education of employees and state figures; touching on ethical issues involved and last but not least the importance of the end user in making decisions and their implementation.
By conducting seminars with the relevant parties in partner countries, the decision was made to take into consideration the views and positions of the end user, the researchers, academic representatives, politicians, service providers and private companies. By doing this, the project contributes for the construction of future PCTs & assistive services in the fluid and fast changing context of social care and technologically progressing society.
In the conference took part:
- people with disabilities and their families.
- specialists engaged in social care and service providers.
- government officials from all levels of power.
- researchers & developers.
- manufacturers.
NASO representatives took part in workshops on the topics of 'Improvement of access to information & creation of employment for people with disabilities' and 'Building of networks & cooperative production'.
The closing conference of the project proposes the possibility for preparing a detailed report for the work done so far and the work that lays ahead.
On the 9th of November, at 18:00, in the European Parliament was celebrated the 15th Anniversary since the founding of European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities.
The event was hosted by MEP Dieter Koch with the support of other leading MEPs and with special guests as Commissioner László Andor, Yannis Vardakastanis (President of the European Disability Forum), Brigitte Grouwels (Member of the Government of the Brussels Region, and in charge of disability issues), Johan Ten Geuzendam (Head of Unit for the Rights of People with Disabilities, European Commission) and Thorsten Afflerbach (Head of Integration of People with Disabilities Division, Council of Europe). Video messages from Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and Viviane Redding, Vice-President of the European Commission and EU-Commissioner opened the ceremony.
Participants from Bulgaria were Mr Georgi Georgiev - president of NASO, Mr Stanimir Dimitrov - a representative of Agency for Social Development Vision and Mrs Elka Todorova - board member of NASO and President of the National Federation of Employers of People with Disabilities. A certificate was awarded to EASPD on behalf of NASO for successful partnership & contribution to the development of social policies & services in Bulgaria, and of course the certificate was awarded to mark the special occasion - EASPD's 15th anniversary.
A National Forum on “Right to work – the way to a dignified life” was held on October 4th 2011 in Grand Hotel Sofia, Sofia Hall. The event was organized by the National Federation of the Employers of Disabled People in Bulgaria.
Greetings were read by Elka Todorova, President of the National Federation of the Employers of Disabled People, Valentina Simeonova, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Svetlana Angelova, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Labor and Social Policy, the National Assembly, Ginka Chavdarova, Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria.
The forum also was attended by Mincho Koralski, Executive Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, who gave a presentation on “Long-term Employment Strategy 2011 – 2020”, Krassimir Kotsev, Chairman of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities in Bulgaria, who gave a presentation on “ The role of the national representative organizations in the creation and implementation of employment policies for people with disabilities”, Ivan Neikov, Chairman of the Balkan Institute for Labour and Social Policy, who gave a presentation on “Corporate social responsibility in the provision of jobs for people with disabilities”, Ivaylo Naydenov, State Expert at the Labour Market Policy Directorate to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, who gave a presentation on “Supporting the employment of people with disabilities through the OP Human Resources Development”, and other experts and stakeholders.
On behalf of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility, Mr. Georgi Georgiev, President of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility and a board member of the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities – EASPD, made a summary of the main issues in the disability sector and offered concrete advices for the future development. On behalf of EASPD two experts also attended: Michael Barrett, a member of the Committee on Employment of the EASPD, COPE Foundation - Ireland with a presentation on “The European framework for dignified employment for people with disabilities", and Vincent Borg, a representative of the Ministry of Education in Malta, with a presentation on “Supporting the employment of people with disabilities - the way forward”.
From 24.08 to 30.08.2011, Foundation “Start” organized the Fifth musical festival for persons with disabilities “Superiority of the spirit – Devin 2011”, which was a competition with a professional jury
The Cause was supported by BNT (Bulgarian National television), BNR (Bulgarian National Radio) Devin Municipality, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the Agency for persons with disabilities, newspaper – “Az buki”, “Tema” magazine, Ars digital studios and Dinacord.
The purpose of the International Music Festival was to motivate children and youngsters with physical problems for creative realization. To show the power of the spirit and the their will to develop as all the others.
The Bulgarian national television , by tradition, broadcast on 3rd of December the program shot during the Festival in Devin.
During the event, the big award of NASO for “active, social responsible activities in the culture and arts area, formation of positive public adjustment and contribution for the social development of Bulgaria” was bestowed to Foundation “Start”.
Today an appointment was held between Mr. Georgi Georgiev, President of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility (NASO) and the deputy Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy - Valentina Simeonova. The conversation topics were the cooperate actions and partnership for sustainable development of the activities after the national forum.
Today an appointment was held between Mr. Georgi Georgiev, President of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility (NASO) and the president of „Karin dom“ and former ambassador of Bulgaria, Mr. Ivan Stanchov. The conversation topic was the national and international partnership of NASO.
Today an appointment was held between Mr. Georgi Georgiev, President of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility (NASO) and the president of the Union of the Blind. The conversation topic was the work of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility as a national network of service providers for people with disabilities in Bulgaria and a representative of the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities (EASPD) for Bulgaria. The main purpose of the conversation was setting targets and areas of partnership between the Union of the Blind and NASO in its capacity of a nationally represented organization.
The conversation passed in the spirit of unanimous understanding of the need for active and effective cooperation and partnership between these organizations.
Today an appointment was held between Mr. Georgi Georgiev, President of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility (NASO) and the president of the Union of the Deaf. The conversation topic was the work of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility as a national network of service providers for people with disabilities in Bulgaria and a representative of the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities (EASPD) for Bulgaria. The main purpose of the conversation was setting targets and areas of partnership between the Union of the Deaf and NASO in its capacity of a nationally represented organization.
The conversation passed in the spirit of unanimous understanding of the need for active and effective cooperation and partnership between these organizations.
Today an appointment was held between Mr. Georgi Georgiev, President of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility (NASO) and the president of the National Council on Disability, which brings together national organizations of disabled people in Bulgaria. The conversation topic was the work of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility as a national network of service providers for people with disabilities in Bulgaria and a representative of the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities (EASPD) for Bulgaria. The main purpose of the conversation was setting targets and areas of partnership between the Union of Disabled People in Bulgaria, the national organizations of disabled people and NASO in its capacity of a nationally represented organization.
The conversation passed in the spirit of unanimous understanding of the need for active and effective cooperation and partnership between these organizations.
On 29 and 30 March 2011, members of the EASPD Board, Policy Impact Group, Chairs of Standing Committees and Interest Groups came together in Brussels to discuss the future orientation of the organisation, the new EU Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and the impact of the financial crisis on the social sector in the European Member States.
Guest speakers were Johan ten Geuzendam, Head of Head of the Disability Unit, DG Justice of the European Commission who presented the objectives of the Disability Strategy 2010-2020, Prof. Chantal Van Audenhove from University of Leuven, Pierre Baussand, Director of the Social Platform and Georgoutsakou Ourania from the Assembly of European Regions (AER).
Two days of intensive meetings and discussionsresulted in many ideas that will be further elaborated to shape the future work of the organisation and its priorities for the next three years. On behalf of the Board of NASO, the President, Mr. Georgi Georgiev took part in the meeting.
In this meeting NASO, for the first time, took part as a regular member in the National Concil for Integration of persons with Disabilities.
Agenda of the meeting:
1. Discussion on the Draft Decree for the cahnge and the addition of the Regulation for the application of the Low for the integration of the persons withe disabilities
2. Discussion on the Project for Long Term Strategy for the Persons with Disabilities 2011 - 2020;
3. Choice of a new vice-president of NCIPD - President of the national presented organizationts for persons with disabilities;
4. Discussion of the Draft of national report for 2010 for the implementation of the Plan for actions for the assurance of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities 2010-2011
The Council of Ministers adopted a decision to recognize the representation of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility Association at national level in the National Council for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities for a period of three years.
The National Council for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities is an advisory body to the Council of Ministers. Its members are NGOs of/for people with disabilities which contribute to the formation of public policy and have an essential role in improving the legal framework. As representatives of citizens with disabilities, they defend their interests and express their views on a number of legal and strategic documents.
The National Alliance for Social Responsibility Association is working actively for social inclusion of people with disabilities in Bulgaria by combining the experience of providers of social services for people with disabilities and actively promoting the integration of the users of these services in society.
The organization's involvement in the National Council for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities provides better collaboration between civil society, business, local authorities and central government in shaping policy to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities and to ensure their rights and respect for their dignity.
Press Release
Brussels, 7th January 2011
Important breakthrough for the disability sector:
European Union ratifies UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
On 5th January 2011, the European Union ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which constitutes the first time that the EU has become a party to an international human rights treaty.
Moreover, the European Union is the first international organisation which has become a formal party of the UN Convention. For the European Union, this means ensuring that all legislation, policies and programmes at EU level comply with the Convention's provisions on disability rights, within the limits of EU competences.
EASPD applauds this important political step towards more equality for persons with disabilities in Europe facilitated by high quality support systems and services.
"The ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the European Union is a positive sign for the disability and social and health services sector. It clearly shows the political willingness and edication of the European Union to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights of persons with disabilities, Luk Zelderloo, Secretary General of EASPD said. "This clear commitment of the European Union will certainly encourage those European Member States that haven't yet ratified the UN Convention to take the necessary steps. Furthermore, the compliance of European legislation and policies with the UN Convention, such as State Aid or Public Procurement legislation or the Structural Funds programmes, should help the Member States to correctly implement this human rights instrument. It will also help the European Institutions to guarantee equal opportunities for all and full accessibility of their own bodies, infrastructure and information."
The EU signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 30 March 2007. It has since been signed by all 27 EU countries and a further 120 states worldwide.
The European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities warmly welcomes and supports the launch of the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 on 15th November 2010 by Justice and Fundamental Rights Commissioner Viviane Reding. The new European Disability Strategy “A renewed commitment for a Barrier-free Europe” sets out a series of strategies and actions to improve equality for people with disabilities and break down barriers that prevent them from fully enjoying their rights as citizens and consumers. Unfortunately it does not fully reflect the needs for adequate high quality support services for persons with disabilities to enable them to achieve this equality.
EASPD President Franz Wolfmayr said: “The new European Disability Strategy is of vital importance for persons with disabilities and the disability sector in Europe. We very much welcome that a clear and long-term strategy has been developed to ensure that across the European Union people with disabilities can live as equal citizens. We especially acknowledge the clear recognition by the European Commission of the need for community-based services in order to meet the everyday needs of people with disabilities. However, what is missing is a discrete section on social and health services. For many people with disabilities, it is crucial to ensure access to sustainable and quality social services which respond to the diversity of needs. The absence of such services can have a hugely detrimental impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
EASPD also regrets that the Commission has not taken the opportunity to express again their commitment to tackle discrimination against informal and family carers and to improve the working conditions of professional carers. Finally we are seriously concerned that the European Commission has not developed a strategy on how to tackle the consequences of the financial crisis for persons with disabilities and social care services, since unsophisticated austerity measures across Europe significantly endanger the provision of social services and consequently significantly lower the quality of life of persons with disabilities.”
The Commission has promised to take action in a number of specific areas such as establishment of EU-wide disability parking cards and to improve the accessibility of transport and public buildings. Another key priority is enabling persons with disabilities to participate fully in the information society, tying in with the EU's Digital Agenda. The Commission will also consider whether to propose a “European Accessibility Act” by 2012 to further develop the single market for accessible products and services. During the next few years, up until the end of 2013, the implementation of the strategy will be financed through current programmes such as the European Social Fund, the Progress programme and the 7th Framework programme for research.
In the regional city of Shumen was held the serial regional forum of persons with disabilities from the region. Before the begging of the forum, on behalf of the Mayor of Shumen – Mr. Krasimir Kostov, the President ot NASO – Mr. Georgi Georgiev, has been received by Mr. Aleksander Genchev – deputy Mayor of Shumen Municipality. A start of the procedure for membership of Shumen Municipality in NASO has been arranged.
In the Plenary room of the Shumen Municipality was held the regional forum with the participation of Dr. Emiliya Stancheva – deputy regional director, Alexander Genchev – deputy Mayor of Shumen Municipality, Sedat Kadir – deputy Mayor on Social Policy and Health in the Municipality of Shumen, directors of agencies and institutions working for persons with disabilities and a number of organizations service providers and working on the problems of the persons with disabilities.
With great interest were discussed the future development of NASO and the possibilities for European and national partnership, innovative models, good practices and problems needing urgent reactions. During the forum, was officially opened the new representation of NASO in Shumen – Association “Future for the persons with disabilities”, with Mrs. Ivanka Kazakova as a head.
After the forum, the representatives of NASO went to the new regional representation and the Center for Social Rehabilitation and Integration which functions there.
A Board meeting of NASO was held, where were discussed specific local problems for the development of the social services and their possible decisions. New members of NASO were accepted, including the National Association of the Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria. The agenda and the visit of NASO in Shumen ended with a visitation of historical objects.
On November 18-20, 2010, the EASPD Final Seminar of the “Pass It On” Project on “Empowerment through education, training and support” was held in Malta. The seminar speakers focused their presentations on supported employment and the possibility of including people with disabilities in the open labor market. The event was attended by representatives of member partners, Mr. Luk Zelderloo, Secretary of EASPD, Mr. Vincent Borg, a representative of the Secretariat of the Ministry of Education and Employment in Malta, as well as representatives of the local university in Malta. Presentations were delivered by Michael Kamp (Secretary of the World Association for Supported Employment, Netherlands), Rudi Wouters (Manager of special activities to employment support for people with disabilities, Belgium), Harry van den Brandt (Assessor of the Dutch Association of Supported Employment, Netherlands), Ronald Haku (Secretary of the Dutch Association of Supported Employment, Netherlands). The Bulgarian representative at the Seminar was Mr. Georgi Georgiev, Chairman of the Board of NASO. Main emphases of the work of the Bulgarian participation were the topics of future partnership after finishing the project, preparation for new projects with participation of experts who have worked for Bulgaria to date, including creating conditions for implementation of supported employment for people with disabilities in Bulgaria.
On November 15-16, at the invitation of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility, Secretary General of the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities, Luk Zelderloo, visited Bulgaria. Within the work program implemented, Mr. Zelderloo was received by the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Mr. Krassimir Popov. They discussed strategic and important issues of the development of European social policies, including the situation in Bulgaria. During talks they put emphasis on the problems of people with disabilities and the future actions of the state, institutions and civil society organizations to ensure appropriate and quality support services. In the process of further development of services, possibilities for funding of new activities and services to support people with disabilities and ensuring conditions and opportunities for training of staff and participants in the provision of services at all levels were discussed. A lot of attention was paid to the training needs of employees of state and municipal administrations, supporting the need for implementation of European approaches to ensure quality standards of services for people with disabilities in Bulgaria. Amid the financial crisis in Europe, mutual understanding has been shared that it is in a crisis situation support for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, should be stronger. In this context, the fact has been noted that despite the difficulties in Bulgaria payment levels for people with disabilities, services and activities are not reduced at this stage. In addition to this, new solutions will be sought for improving the level of service quality and life of people with disabilities.
Mr. Georgi Georgiev, Chairman of the Board of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility, took part in the meeting, that gave a chance of discussing future development opportunities for participation in the processes of social development of the Bulgarian network of service providers through the National Alliance for Social Responsibility as a major partner of the state and municipalities in this sector.
Mr. Zelderloo met with Ms. Nadya Shabani, Executive Director of the State Agency for Child Protection, and Mr. Ivaylo Ivanov, Executive Director of the Social Assistance Agency. At their meeting they discussed issues of deinstitutionalization of services in Bulgaria, responsibilities and partnership between the state, municipalities and NGOs, and some issues related to the support given by the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities for implementing the processes in Bulgaria.
At the National Alliance for Social Responsibility's Office in Sofia, Mr. Luk Zelderloo met with a part of the Management Board of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility. At the meeting there was a frank conversation about the development of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility in present and future, as a representative of the Bulgarian part of the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities, integrating and influencing the processes in services for people with disabilities in Bulgaria. Main issues related to organizational problems, funding, partnership with the state and municipalities as well as development of the sector as a whole were discussed to achieve good quality services. These topics will be leading in carrying out a national forum of service providers for people with disabilities in Bulgaria. It was decided that the forum would be held in June 2011. By tradition, the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities will promote the forum, mostly by involving well-trained and highly skilled professionals to support workers in this sector in Bulgaria.
In conclusion, Mr. Luc Zelderloo shared his satisfaction and appreciation of the work of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility and the reached results for a relatively short period of its operation. He also appreciated the fact that the work of the European Association of Services Providers for People with Disabilities for building similar networks in Eastern Europe and the Balkans was based on Bulgarian experience.
The National Alliance for Social Responsibility's participation in the European Conference of EASPD in Malta, in November, and in the European Commission Conference "European citizenship: real benefits for persons with disabilities?" as well as in the EASPD Policy Seminar 2010 "Poverty and Disability - How Can We Break the Link?" in Brussels, in December, was discussed in details.
Celebration on the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the National Federation of Employers of People with Disabilities - an organization co-founder of NASO was held at the Grand Hotel in Sofia.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Krassimir Popov, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Mr. Ivaylo Ivanov, Executive Director of the Social Assistance Agency, Mr. Mincho Koralski, Executive Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Catherine Raemaykers, Secretary of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Bulgaria, NGO leaders, founders, members, partners and many guests.
Welcome address on behalf of EASPD and NASO was read by Mr. Georgi Georgiev, a board member of EASPD and a president of NASO. Founders and sponsors of the Federation received honorary diplomas and awards.
NASO and EASPD wish another successful decade of members and partners of the National Federation of Employers of People with Disabilities.
Current tasks of NASO by the end of 2010 and the first half of 2011 were examined at a meeting of the Board within the regional program in Gabrovo. Main priorities of work during the period were adopted. Decisions on admission of new members and organizational development, as well filling up the members of the working committees, were accepted. The members of the Board discussed the status and development of social services in Gabrovo region and some specific matters of urgency.
For the first time a program was implemented in Gabrovo comprising the following:
- Opening of the first representation of NASO and EASPD in a regional city in Bulgaria. Representation will be made by the "Caring for Children with Disabilities" Foundation, chaired by Ms. Svetla Grigorova. Thus, apart from offices in Varna and Sofia, NASO already has a representation in the region of Gabrovo.
- The Mayor of Gabrovo, Mr. Nikolay Sirakov - at the Board of NASO. A wide range of issues concerning social policy in Bulgaria and the region, duties and responsibilities of municipalities and service providers, future development of social services in the town of Gabrovo, and other issues were discussed in a very heart, constructive and meaningful way. A procedure for membership of the municipality of Gabrovo in NASO was adopted to start.
- The regional meeting of providers of social services under the direction of NASO enabled service providers and municipalities to get acquainted with the work of NASO and EASPD and to discuss current and future work to develop services in the region and the need for regional, national and international partnership. They discussed procedures and opportunities to join municipalities and organizations to NASO.
EASPD warns: austerity measures endanger social services all over
Europe
On 7th and 8th October 2010 around 200 delegates from the European disability sector came together in Skopje, fYR Macedonia, for the European conference “Current realities – future challenges” to discuss how to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in society.
During the conference, representatives of the Macedonian Government confirmed that they will ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the end of the year.
This overall good news was overshadowed by the dramatic and disturbing developments in the social sector in the East and Southeast of Europe as brought up by Romanian representatives and many others.
“Due to the implementation of the austerity measures in Romania, the social sector faces extreme cuts which lead to a situation of poor survival. The money persons with disabilities receive from the government is not enough to pay three meals a day. The cuts in the budget and the freeze in hiring staff in the social and health sectors until 2013 forces professionals to leave the country and leads to an exodus”, an EASPD member from Romania said during the conference. “We ask the European community to help us, as the existence of the Romanian social sector is threatened by the lack of funding.”
Discussing the Romanian case then showed that in many other European countries persons with disabilities, their families and services are also suffering the consequences of the economic crisis and the cuts in social spending.
EASPD President Franz Wolfmayr welcomes the decision of the Macedonian authorities to ratify the UN Convention but also warns policy-makers in the European Members States that the harsh cuts in the social and health sectors could break the backbone of the European welfare systems. “The Macedonian objective to ratify the UN Convention is a positive sign in difficult times which shows that change is possible step by step. At the same time we must not forget that the UN Convention cannot be adequately implemented without the needed resources and structures. In some countries persons with disabilities live in very difficult and not acceptable situations. The austerity measures threaten their living conditions and support services. We need to work all together to keep the European welfare systems alive and to set the ground for the implementation of the UN Convention all over Europe.”
On 7-9th of October in Skopje – Macedonia has been held the conference “Current realities – future challenges”. It has been organized cooperatively with the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities (EASPD), Republic Center for Support of persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PORAKA), “Open the windows” and the Macedonian Scientific Society for Autism.
The general goal of the conference was to facilitate the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in society, in the light of the UN convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
This has been achieved by enriching the discussion with the variety of situations from all regions of Europe. Speakers and participants from all parts of the Continent had the opportunity to share their experience and build networks at all levels. It gave them the chance for better understand of their differences and also the chance to pave the way for a common vision of how to concretely contribute to the improvement of living conditions for persons with disabilities.
The discussions was based on the specific situation of stakeholders involved in the Disability sector in the different regions of Europe and the challenges they are facing, the wish to promote, facilitate and enhance cooperation practices among stakeholders of the Disability sector and the international policies and texts relevant for the sector. The number of the participants who took part in the conference was more than 200 people, including professional service providers, people with disabilities and their families, researchers, educators and policy makers.
Official guests on the conference were the Macedonian Minister of Labour & Social Policy - Mr. Xhelal Bajrami, the Regional Representative for Europe of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - Mr. Jan Jařab, the Social-political Attaché and plenipotentiary Representative of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Austrian Embassies in Zagreb and Skopje - Mr. Gero Stuller and the President of the EASPD - Mr. Franz Wolfmayr.
Six plenary sessions were held during the conference. On the First Plenary Session were discussed the following themes: Deinstitutionalization, Quality Systems, Staff training, User involvement & Needs assessment and Networing. The Bulgarian participation in one of the sessions was presented by the presentation of the President of the National alliance for Social Responsibility, Mr. Georgi Georgiev. Networking is a challenge for service providers for persons with disabilities. It is a key for enabling them to advocate their specific needs and difficulties, in order to reach the capacity to provide services, which fully respect and foster the spirit and letter of the UN Convention.
The first working day finished with a dinner for the participants in the conference, provided by the Minister of the Labour and Social Policy of Macedonia. During the dinner was held an Award Ceremony to acknowledge a life achievement for the disability sector in Europe. The Award has been given to Violeta Dimoska, President of the Republic Center for Support of persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PORAKA).
During the Second Session were discussed the themes: Accessibility of Information & Society, Education, Employment, Design for All и E-Inclusion.
In the end of the second day of the conference was held a meeting of the EASPD Board, on which were discussed the main issues concerning the present and the future activities of EASPD, budget 2011 has been approved. The working day was officially closed by a cocktail in the Museum of the City of Skopje, organized by the City of Skopje and the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer protection of the Republic of Austria,
On the last day of the conference worked the EASPD Standing Committees on Education, Employment, Impact Group and Enlargement. The representatives of the National Alliance for Social Responsibility took part in the Standing Committee on Enlargement and on Employment. The conferences was closed by the General Assembly of EASPD.
On the 01.10.2010 in Plovdiv, the National Alliance for Social Responsibility /NASO/, the European Informational and Innovational center of the Plovdiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry and “ KT Podkrepa”- Plovdiv have organized Regional forum on theme “Corporative Social Responsibility”.
The purpose of the Forum was to discuss the condition of the corporative social responsibility in Bulgaria through presentation of innovative European and national experience, motivation and attraction of wider range of corporative subjects for undertaking of new socially significant engagements, related mostly with the life quality in the community.
The main stress during the work on the forum was the presented information and the implemented discussion for the people with disabilities, the needs and the possibilities for provision of employment for more effective support and improvement the quality of their life and the life of their families.
In the Forum were presented and presentations of the work in Bulgaria of the European Association of the Service Providers for People with Disabilities /EASPD/, National Alliance for Social Responsibility /NASO/ and the National Federation of the Employers of People with Disabilities /NFRI/, and also the innovative experience of KCM-SA Plovdiv for the creation of specialized enterprise and the support for people with disabilities.
Special interest provoked also the possibility for membership and partnership in the National Alliance for Social Responsibility /NASO/, in result of which, the number of members of NASO has strongly increased.
On June 28, 2010, the first meeting of the National Council on Social Inclusion in Council of Ministers, in which NASO was involved, was held at the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.
The Council was established by Decree № 112 of the Council of Ministers since 13.05.2009, as an authority for implementation of coordination, cooperation and consultation in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of public policy on social inclusion.
Its functions are:
- To discuss proposals for strategic priorities in the field of social inclusion;
- To make proposals for projects to develop strategies, programmes, plans and other strategic documents in the field of social inclusion, and promote the coordination of their development and implementation;
- To give opinions on draft strategy documents in the field of social inclusion;
- To facilitate cooperation and consultation with legal non-profit entities for formation, implementation and monitoring of government policy on social inclusion;
- To develop, discuss and approve reports, analysis and evaluation of the implementation of state policy on social inclusion;
- To assist in monitoring implementation of government policy on social inclusion;
- To offer, discuss and approve measures to improve the processes of development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, consultation and coordination of state policy on social inclusion.
The meeting had the following agenda:
- Discussion of a proposal on the indicators for measuring national objective of social inclusion and poverty reduction and the values of these indicators, which Bulgaria will seek to achieve by 2020 (Strategy Europe 2020);
- Presentation of information on implementation of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, 2010;
- Preparation of reports on implementation of National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2008-2010.
The text of the proposal is available in Library of NASO, section Bulgarian legislation and policies.
On June 24-26, 2010, in Varna, the Fifth and First Thematic Forum of Service Providers for People with Disabilities entitled "Social Inclusion through the Open Labour Market" took place.
Besides being the first thematic forum, it was characterized by the fact that it was attended by representatives of all stakeholders, national and local authorities concerned on issues related to employment of people with disabilities, NGOs, service providers, employers, training institutions and people with disabilities. Best European practices and alternative forms of employment for people with disabilities from several European countries (Belgium, Netherlands and Austria) were presented. For more information and materials of the Fifth Forum, you can visit the website of the Bulgarian network of service providers for people with disabilities: www.easpdbg.com.
On April 21-23, in Sofia, the Fourth National Forum on service for people with disabilities in Bulgaria was held at Grand Hotel Sofia.
The Forum was organized by the National Alliance for Social Responsibility (NASO), Agency for Social Development-Vision, with the support and partnership of the Flemish authorities, the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and Sofia Municipality.
The Forum is a part of the European project Snowball and the programme of the European Association of Service for People with Disabilities /EASPD/.
Over 100 representatives of municipalities, service provider organizations for people with disabilities in Bulgaria, employers, and representatives of national institutions concerned with the problems of people with disabilities took part in the Forum.
For more information and material from the Fourth Forum, you can visit the website of the Bulgarian network to service providers for people with disabilities: www.easpdbg.com.
On December 3-4, 2009, in Brussels, a conference of the European Commission on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, entitled "Creating conditions for independent living", was held. The focus of the conference was on the right of persons with disabilities for independent living and how to make this right a reality.
The conference consisted of three thematic sessions: economic autonomy, community services and assistive technologies.
September 1-4, 2009, in Varna, the Third Forum of Service Providers for People with Disabilities in Bulgaria was held at Grand Hotel "Dimyat".
The Forum was organized by the National Alliance for Social Responsibility (NASO) and the Agency for Social Development - Vision, with the support and partnership with the Flemish authorities and the European Association of Service for People with Disabilities with the participation of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.
The third edition of this unique event of nationwide significance is a part of the European project "Snowball" and the programme of the European Association of Service for People with Disabilities (EASPD).
Over 130 representatives of municipalities, service provider organizations for people with disabilities in Bulgaria, employers, representatives of organizations and institutions concerned with the problems of people with disabilities took part in the Forum.
The success of the forum was contributed by the special participation of the Ambassador of Belgium in Bulgaria Mr. Mark Mihilsen, the delegation of Belgian experts, representatives of the Flemish authorities and NGOs from Flanders, and a large number of representatives of Bulgarian NGOs, municipalities, socially corporations and others.
Among the guests were Mr. Luke Zelderlo, Secretary General of the European Association of Service for People with Disabilities, Ms. Bistra Valchanova, a representative of the European Commission, Ms. Nina Sherbetova, a representative of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, Jos Tyunis, a representative of Flemish Agency for Disabled People, Mr. Dancho Simeonov, Governor of Varna, and mayors of municipalities in Bulgaria.
Greetings were sent by Mr. Mladenov Totyu, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, and Mr. Mincho Koralski, Executive Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
