Good news is coming from Teslić. At the fifth regular session of the Teslić Municipal Assembly, the Action Plan for Improving the Position of Persons with Disabilities in the Teslić Municipality for 2025–2027 was unanimously adopted. This represents a significant victory for local associations of persons with disabilities, who have tirelessly advocated for the creation of a framework that will enable systemic solutions to the everyday challenges they face.

“The local action plan will not only define problems but will offer concrete measures and activities to solve them,” explained Goran Jokić, president of the Teslić Paraplegic Association.

Namely, the "Inclusion for a Better Tomorrow" initiative was launched by the Association for Development, Improvement and Support of the Teslić Community, the Association of Dystrophy Patients Teslić, the Association of Paraplegics Teslić, the Organization of the Blind and Visually Impaired Teslić, and the Association of Diabetics "Diabetes" Teslić, to initiate the development of a Local Action Plan to improve the position of persons with disabilities in Teslić. These associations have recognized the key problems that persons with disabilities face every day and have worked to address them through this document. The adoption of the Plan confirms the significant commitment of the local community to improving the quality of life for approximately 3,000–4,000 persons with disabilities who are estimated to live in the municipality of Teslić. In addition, this document does not only present a list of problems but also brings concrete systemic measures aimed at education, employment, health, accessibility, and social inclusion, thus creating conditions for equal participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life

“Persons with disabilities are often marginalized and face various obstacles that do not allow them to be fully socially, economically and politically active. The adoption of this plan is an important step towards creating a more equal society”, said Željko Simeunić, President of the Municipal Organization of the Blind and Visually Impaired in Teslić, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies and practices.

However, the adoption of the Plan is only the beginning. Its successful implementation depends on the continued cooperation of all stakeholders, including local authorities, public institutions, civil society, and citizens. The key elements in the coming period will be the provision of resources, the implementation of concrete activities, and regular monitoring of the achieved results. Monitoring and evaluation of the plan will be crucial to ensure that the proposed measures truly meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Regular reports and the inclusion of users in decision-making processes will enable timely corrections and adaptation of strategies where necessary. Only through consistent implementation and monitoring can we ensure that this plan does not remain just a document but becomes a real instrument of change that will improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in Teslić.

These positive changes in Teslić show that joint cooperation, effort, and perseverance can lead to concrete changes that improve the daily lives of citizens. People with disabilities in Teslić now have a strategic document that, with adequate implementation, will bring real changes and enable greater inclusion in society.

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