Representatives of municipalities, social welfare centers and organizations working for people with disabilities were also invited to the meeting.
The main principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Poland has also adopted, were discussed. How should people with disabilities be treated in society, what rights are they entitled to, and what obligations do local governments have toward them?
The convention’s principles were discussed by Marta Gawryluk of the Eudajmonia Foundation, which works every day to promote, among other things, equal treatment and the personal development of people affected by various conditions. An end to discrimination and indifference, and more tolerance and assistance in everyday life in one’s place of residence are needed. Simple—obvious—solutions are often enough, such as universal design, meaning the use of architectural and technical solutions that can be used by everyone who needs them, including people unable to move independently and mothers pushing children in strollers.
Marta Gawryluk drew attention to the role of inclusive education. The aim is for children and young people with disabilities to be able to learn and develop their interests where they live, so that they do not have to be transported—unless absolutely necessary—to schools or rehabilitation facilities far from their family homes. This is why suitable infrastructure and education that makes residents more aware of the needs of people with disabilities are necessary.
It is no less important for people with disabilities to know their rights and understand where and how to enforce them.
The foundation encourages local governments to employ assistants for people with disabilities. Poland’s ratification of the UN Convention imposes obligations on local governments, which they should fulfill. This is monitored by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. Last year, Bolesławiec County underwent an inspection conducted by Eudajmonia.
The next item on the meeting’s agenda was a discussion of PFRON funds spent in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the presentation of a proposed division of the funds allocated to the County for 2019 to carry out tasks related to the rehabilitation, vocational activation and social activation of people with disabilities. The rules for subsidizing participation in rehabilitation stays and the purchase of orthopedic equipment and assistive devices were also discussed.
The members of the County Social Council for Persons with Disabilities gave positive opinions both on the draft allocation of funds and on the rules for awarding subsidies for social rehabilitation tasks. The draft will now be submitted for consideration by the Bolesławiec County Council.