On the occasion of World Day of Social Justice, a day that each year reminds us of the importance of equal opportunities, removing barriers, and creating a society where no one is left behind, we bring a story from Breza – an example of how a local community can initiate real and sustainable change.
In this spirit, we present an interview with Ilma Omerhodžić, President of the Association Center of Positive Practice, which, with the support of PRAGG, launched the initiative “Give Priority Even When You (Don’t) See the Reason.” This initiative emerged from the need to make the daily lives of families caring for persons with developmental disabilities more dignified and practical. Although the rights of these families are often discussed, practice has shown that understanding and support are frequently lacking in everyday situations.
This local idea has grown into an example of good practice, demonstrating how cooperation between civil society, local authorities, and the private sector can bring tangible change to a community.
A particularly significant step forward was made in public institutions and companies founded by the Municipality of Breza, where, thanks to the initiative, priority rights were introduced for parents/guardians of children and persons with developmental disabilities. It is equally important that local businesses voluntarily joined the campaign, expressing their readiness to introduce the practice of giving priority to families with children or adults with developmental disabilities.
What was the main problem or everyday situation faced by families of persons with developmental disabilities that motivated you to launch this initiative in Breza?
Families of children with developmental difficulties often found themselves waiting in lines at various service facilities, which further complicated their already challenging circumstances. For most families, every minute during which their child is left alone is extremely important. The lack of adapted infrastructure and the distance of parking areas from service facilities placed additional stress and concern on parents, as children with developmental difficulties are often unable to self-regulate or ensure their own safety. The idea for the initiative came directly from parents who recognized that priority access in queues would significantly ease their daily lives.
What was the situation like before the campaign began, particularly regarding access to public services and the local community’s attitude toward these families?
Before the initiative, there were no official notices granting priority to these families. Families with children whose disabilities were visibly apparent sometimes received priority, especially if the child was restless. However, there has recently been an increase in children with autism in our community whose condition is not immediately visible. It was precisely for these children and their families that we launched this initiative.
One of the specific features of this initiative is the support of local companies, such as pharmacies and shops. How did you arrive at that idea, and what were the initial reactions from business owners?
In practice, the longest waiting times occur in companies such as BH Pošta, BH Telecom, pharmacies, and similar service providers. Initially, we did not expect such positive responses to our call for priority access for families with children with developmental disabilities. The first positive response came from Apoteke Sarajevo, followed by other private companies, both small and large. Interestingly, most companies proactively requested to join the campaign and offer their support.
In your opinion, what changed in the behavior of local companies and employees after joining the initiative launched with PRAGG’s support?
Many business owners, particularly local ones, approached us with their own ideas for support. New concepts emerged that we may implement in the near future. Most importantly, empathy was awakened. Through the campaign activities, people realized that even in a small town like Breza, there is a significant number of persons with developmental difficulties, and that their lives are highly complex and challenging.
Have you noticed changes among citizens themselves—in their mindset, understanding of the needs of families of persons with developmental disabilities, or in everyday communication?
The effects of the initiative and campaign became especially visible through other projects that took place parallel to or after the campaign. The Youth Games held in Breza placed a focus on persons with disabilities through both activities and photography. High school projects such as “One Child, One Sweet” – a New Year gift donation campaign – also highlighted persons with disabilities, as students from the Mixed Secondary School “Mehmedalija Mak Dizdar” expressed their desire to align their activities with the campaign “Give Priority Even When You (Don’t) See the Reason,” even though it had concluded well before the New Year. Day by day, we see both small and significant examples of how people have changed their perspectives and become more sensitive toward persons with disabilities and their families.
What role did local authorities play in this process, and did the initiative supported by PRAGG influence their approach to this issue? How have the results contributed to easier daily functioning for families of persons with developmental disabilities?
The support of local authorities was immense. Without the unconditional support of Mayor Vedad Jusić and the Municipal Council, the initiative would not have achieved the weight and success it did. The Mayor and Council members provided maximum support, as evidenced by the formal adoption of the initiative. I must also note that some councilors were even willing to provide financial support for the campaign, although it was not necessary.
From your perspective, what is the most important long-term result of this initiative for the community?
Changing prejudice is one of the most difficult tasks in the world, but we believe that the Center of Positive Practice has moved in the right direction. Raising awareness and ensuring a safer, more inclusive environment is the most important outcome. At the same time, new opportunities and ideas are emerging, and people now recognize us as an association that supports persons with developmental disabilities. We already have serious ideas for further positive changes in the community.
What message would you send to other local communities wishing to launch similar initiatives, and how important is it to involve a broad range of stakeholders, not only institutions?
Such changes must involve a wide range of stakeholders. The more actors are involved, the stronger and more sustainable the change will be. Authorities can adopt decisions, laws, or regulations, but if people do not change their mindset and act accordingly, these measures will remain merely words on paper.
The experience from Breza shows that inclusion does not begin with grand strategies, but with small yet systemic steps that transform everyday life. When responsibility is shared among institutions, businesses, and citizens, change becomes both sustainable and visible. The initiative “Give Priority Even When You (Don’t) See the Reason” is therefore not just a local campaign, but a model of how communities can build a culture of empathy, understanding, and genuine support for families facing additional challenges.
The Day of Social Justice reminds us that social justice is not an abstract concept, but the result of concrete decisions, solidarity, and collective action. This represents the core value of the PRAGG project: placing people at the center, supporting local initiatives, and fostering cooperation that leads to systemic improvements.
