The lack of adequate infrastructure to facilitate access to public institutions continues to be one of the major problems faced by people with disabilities in Moldova. As part of the “Accept disability, not violence” project, implemented by NGO Motivatie, reports were prepared with recommendations for 12 public buildings in Fălești and Străseni to increase their accessibility. The organization says it’s up to the respective local administrations now to identify funds and transform their public institutions into friendly places for people with disabilities.
During a press conference on Friday, the project’s coordinator Natalia Codrean emphasized that the access of people with disabilities to public institutions to benefit from social or medical services remains a challenge. The organization offered technical expertise so that public institutions in Fălești and Strățeni could increase their accessibility.
“Within the project, we evaluated 12 public institutions in Străseni and Fălești. 12 reports with recommendations and drafts of the project to improve physical access have been made, it remains only for these institutions to find financial sources to implement them and to make the evaluated spaces accessible”, said the project coordinator.
Motivatie director Ludmila Iachim says that local authorities are encouraged to allocate funds for the accessibility of public institutions. “For years we have been trying to bring accessibility to the discussion table because it is a very big problem. Accessibility is necessary for a large group of people, parents with children, elderly people, people who have a temporary medical problem. We are trying to get the authorities to be aware when repairs are taking place or when budgets are being planned, to budget money and to increase accessibility. We want to become a people-friendly country. Any person should benefit from quality services in the field of health and education”, said Ludmila Iachim.
Ukrainian refugees were also helped as part of the “Accept disability, not violence” project. They benefited from transport services adapted to people with disabilities as well as humanitarian aid.
“Within the project, we also provided support for refugees. We collected data on the specific needs of refugees with disabilities from Ukraine who came to Străseni and Fălesti. Thus, we have a database regarding their place of residence and their needs. We provided free transport for refugees. At least 25 families benefited from transportation services. We provided 145 hygiene packages and 95 food packages were given to Ukrainian refugees”, Natalia Codrean added.
The project “Accept disability, not violence” is part of the program “Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence” (EU4GE), funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by UN Women and UNFPA.