In the period 20 – 23rd June, a study visit to Sarajevo was carried out as part of the SOCIETIES 2 project. Aim of the visit was to present the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in a field of employment of persons with disabilities. In total 27 representatives of public and civile sector from Albania, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo* participated in study visit.
Participants had opportunity to learn about the legal framework for the employment of persons with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also about Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities of the Federation of BiH and the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities of the Republic of Srpska.
The participants of the study visit were presented with examples of good practice supported by these funds, such as the company SEKA from Prijedor or the Association for Employment of Persons with Disabilities TMP Sarajevo. Company SEKA is founded and led by independent entrepreneur, women with disabilities, with idea of producing and selling natural soaps. SEKA is operating successfully for more than 2 years. The protective workshop “TMP” was founded by the Association of the Blind of Bosnia and Herzegovina back in 1968 as the Center for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Blind and Visually Impaired Persons in Sarajevo, with the aim of developing programs and activities within which blind and partially sighted persons and other disabled persons will be professionally rehabilitated and employed. Today, TMP has 48 employees, of whom 44 are disabled. The existing activities of “TMP” are Center for physical therapy and rehabilitation, club restaurant with terrace, sector for graphic services and paper processing, wholesale and retail, and production and sale of jewelry and leather bags.
As part of the study visit, the Sumero center presented a supported housing service, and the Sarajevo association ProReha presented support services for people with disabilities in the field of professional rehabilitation and employment through work capacity assessment, education, connecting with employers and psychosocial support. The social enterprise Greens, founded by ProReha, is an example of good practice in the employment of people with intellectual disabilities in the sector of growing and selling micro-herbs, eatable and decorative flowers and herbs.
Apart from mentioned, meetings were held with representatives of the Association of Blind Cantons of Sarajevo, as well as with the president of the Council of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During these meeting, the participants of the study visit had the opportunity to exchange opinions and experiences on the topic of public advocacy, national public policies and changes in the field of employment of persons with disabilities that occurred thanks to the work of the association.