About us

Youth with disabilities Forum

Youth with Disabilities Forum (YDF) is a civil society organization focused on improving the quality of life and position of persons with disabilities. YDF was founded in Belgrade in 2005 by young persons with disabilities. Until today, YDF has successfully implemented more than 80 projects, and provided support for about 8,000 direct beneficiaries.

Our work is based on the universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well on the need to guarantee full enjoyment of these rights and freedoms for people with disabilities, free from discrimination.

Recognizing the need for people with disabilities to be included in and to live from freely chosen work, as well as the necessity for a work environment that is open, inclusive, and accessible, YDF has created a comprehensive package of services for people with disabilities and employers, contributing to improved employability. Through this, we have become a leading organization in Serbia in the field of employment persons with disabilities

years of successful work

0 +

Implemented projects

0 +

beneficiaries

Vision

A society of equal and active citizens in which people with disabilities are empowered to live and make decisions independently corresponding to their needs and resources.

Mission

YDF mission is to contribute to inclusion, advocacy, and promotion of human rights, through the establishment of cross-sector partnerships and other sustainable mechanisms, building and strengthening human and other resources and capacities, necessary for self-development of persons with disabilities.

Our team

Jovana Krivokuća-Milovanović

Executive director

Jovana Krivokuća-Milovanović

Born in Kraljevo in 1983. Graduated from the Faculty of Political Sciences, Department for International relations. She has been in YDF since 2008. Enthusiastic and optimistic. Believes in change, in rights, in fighting, in attitude, that approach can create a positive atmosphere, that personal mood sets the mood for the entire day. She likes folklore, dancing, basketball, and most of all, her family and friends.

Slađana Lević

Program director

Slađana Lević

Born in Trstenik in 1983. Graduated from the Faculty of Political Sciences, Department for International relations and holds a master’s degree in Project management from the Faculty of Organizational Sciences. Participated in proposal writing and leading more than 40 domestic, EU, and other foreign donor projects. Engaged in the areas of social inclusion, employment, youth, as well as in executing many events, trainings, and conferences.

Tanja Radović Krstić

Activity Manager

Tanja Radović Krstić

Born in 1983, grew up and lives in Belgrade. Graduated from the Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation and holds a master's degree in Special Education. Tanja joined YDF as an associate in 2019, and since January 2023 she has been employed as a Program (Activity) manager. Authentic people make her happy, two little girls who call her mom, her cat and other cats, dancing, good books and skillfully played bass lines.

Stefani Nedović

Admin Manager

Stefani Nedović

She was born in Cetinje in 1992. She graduated from the Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation in Belgrade. Her focus is prevention and treatment of vulnerable social groups. She loves ballet as a small child, and children love her, usually the vulnerable one. She likes to beautify people, both inside and out.

Jelena Kostić

Guidence Counselor

Jelena Kostić

Born in Vranje in 1986. Master student at the Faculty for special Education and Rehabilitation, Department for Special education and rehabilitation of persons with mental difficulties. Big fan of epic fantasy and science fiction. Believes in second chance and that everybody has the potential for personal growth. She is engaged in empowerment and employment of persons with disabilities.

Milica Glišić

Guidence Counselor

Milica Glišić

Born in 1991 in Zenica, she completed her undergraduate and master's studies at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade. She is currently a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Political Sciences, specializing in social work and social policy. In her previous work, she has focused on the prevention and fight against gender-based violence and human trafficking, psycho-social counseling, and research work. She is a passionate volleyball fan and science enthusiast. Alone, we can do so little, together, we can do so much.

Milica Šajinović

HR expert

Milica Šajinović

Born in 1995 in Zrenjanin. She completed her master's studies in psychology, and since 2019 she has been active in the civil sector. She was engaged in the prevention of gender-based violence, advisory work, as well as conducting research on the topic of violence in partner relationships of young people, sexual violence and harassment, etc. In 2021, she started a career in human resources, first in recruitment and selection, in order to develop an interest in the integration and development of employees and the organization of various educations and workshops. She likes poetry, Van Gogh and sweets. In his free time, he does dream analysis, but most of all he likes to spend time with his cat Freya.

Strategic Areas

Development of support services for people with disabilities for employment
Development of support services for employers
Promotion of entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities
Development of advocacy initiatives to improve the legislative framework in the field of employment of persons with disabilities
Realization of activities that contribute to improving the position and quality of life of persons with disabilities

What We Do

Since 2008, the Youth with disabilities Forum (YDF) has been working intensively on the employment of persons with disabilities in the open labor market.

Our career centers provide the following services:

Individual counseling
Career guidence and counseling
Support in choosing appropriate professional goals
Group workshops for personal development
Motivating and empowering individuals for active job searching
Individual follow-up according to the employment plan and planned support measures
Internship program
Proffesional trainings
Support in identifying individual needs for workplace adjustments and task modifications
Preparation for job interviews
Assistance in writing CVs

We also provide advisory and consultative support to employers to strengthen internal capacities and procedures for employment of people with disabilities. This support is realized through:

Training sessions aimed at transferring knowledge for the successful application of inclusive procedures in the hiring process of persons with disabilities and their inclusion into the workplace.
Advisory and consultative services: Information, guidance, advice, and further clarifications in the area of employment of persons with disabilities.
Participation in various activities organized by YDF that contribute to improving the position of persons with disabilities in the labor market.
Employer network for the employment of persons with disabilities, which serves as a platform for gathering, advising, informing, consulting, and building the capacities of domestic and international companies.
Portal for employment of persons with disabilities (www.zaposljavanje.fmi.rs) – a database of candidates for employment. It offers employers the opportunity for free registration, posting job ads, and pre-selecting candidates from a pool of CVs based on their company’s needs (pre-selection involves selecting candidates for specific job positions).

YDF also implements various activities aimed at improving the position of persons with disabilities in society, including those related to accessibility of services and spaces, strengthening the capacities of relevant stakeholders, advocacy activities, and more.

Our Values

Respect for Human Rights – Our work is characterized by a constant commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy full respect for all human rights. We are aware of how important it is to reduce social inequality and to ensure that every person lives with dignity.
Appreciation of Diversity and Tolerance – Diversity is a wealth of society, and the Forum’s activities are free from prejudice and stereotypes. This approach is extended to our users as well.
Responsibility – For YDF, responsibility means our relationship with beneficiaries, partner organizations, and society as a whole. Internally, it also reflects our attitude toward work and the relationships among staff members.
Integrity – What we say and write is consistent with what we do.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development – A priority for the Forum is the continuous expansion of knowledge and skills, both for program participants and employees, with the aim of achieving desired changes in the most effective and efficient way.