As part of the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans,” three open dialogues entitled “Employment Without Barriers” were held, focusing on improving employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and strengthening local cross-sector cooperation.
The events took place on 31 March 2026 in Dimitrovgrad, at the premises of the Caribrod Education Center; on 3 April 2026 in Leskovac, at the Center for Professional Development; and on 7 April 2026 in Novi Pazar, at the “Kompas” Day Care Center for Children and Youth.
The open dialogues brought together representatives of institutions, civil society organizations, and persons with disabilities. The discussions placed particular emphasis on identifying key challenges, as well as opportunities for improving the labor market integration of persons with disabilities, and on strengthening cooperation among all relevant local stakeholders.
The program included an overview of the employment of persons with disabilities in Serbia, followed by a moderated discussion focused on the local context.
The discussion was moderated by Slađana Lević, Program Director of the Youth with Disabilities Forum, with a focus on existing support programs and institutional cooperation, identifying the needs of persons with disabilities and employers, and formulating recommendations for improving employment practices.
“Today, we are primarily discussing the employment of persons with disabilities- what the challenges are and what we can do to address them. Despite the efforts invested by all parties, there are still numerous challenges. Employers need to be more open, and the trust they extend will be returned in the form of a dedicated and responsible employee,” emphasized Slađana Lević.
The events concluded with a joint reflection on next steps and necessary changes aimed at creating a more accessible and inclusive labor market for persons with disabilities.
The events were organized by the Initiative for Development and Cooperation, with support from Arbeiter Samariter Bund (ASB), in cooperation with regional partners and with the support of relevant institutions, within the framework of the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans.”
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany.
