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 100 projects, and provided support for about 15,000 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
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
Jovana Krivokuća-Milovanović
Slađana Lević
Slađana Lević
Tanja Radović Krstić
Tanja Radović Krstić
Milica Glišić
Milica Glišić
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.
Who Are Our Partners and Associates?
YDF brings together relevant stakeholders to work on changes within the defined strategic areas. As key partners, the Forum sees:
- Persons with disabilities
- Corporate partners and businesses
- Foundations and civil society organizations
- Donors
- Government institutions
Networks membership
The Forum of Youth with Disabilities is a member of the following networks:
