Children and adults with developmental disabilities—as well as their families—face numerous daily challenges, including a lack of systemic support, social prejudice, and institutional invisibility in many communities, including the Municipality of Breza.

Families of children with developmental disabilities are often left to fend for themselves. In addition to the daily struggle to meet basic needs, parents and guardians must navigate inflexible work environments, long queues at institutions, an underdeveloped support network, and a pervasive sense of isolation. It is therefore crucial to develop a support system that acknowledges their reality while also offering tangible measures to make their everyday lives more dignified.

“There is no organization in Breza that systematically addresses the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities. As a result, parents have nowhere to seek support, information, or protection of their rights. Often, they don’t even know what they are entitled to and, therefore, cannot be active agents of change. Unfortunately, the silent struggle of these families remains invisible. That is why we believe it’s high time this silence is given a voice,” said Ilma Omerhodžić, an activist with the Center for Positive Practices.

In response to the urgent need for targeted assistance, the Center for Positive Practices, with the support of the PRAGG project, has launched a campaign aimed at introducing priority access rights for parents/guardians of children and adults with developmental disabilities when using public services—across health, education, administrative, and other institutions.

According to the long-term plan, the Center for Social Work Breza will play a key role in identifying families, creating a user database, defining eligibility criteria, and issuing identification cards. The Department of Economic Affairs will prepare a draft decision and design signage for public institutions, while the Department of Finance will allocate the necessary funds for implementation. The proposal will be submitted to the Municipal Council for adoption, and broader support is anticipated given the importance of the issue and public interest.

“This measure is only the first step. In the long term, we hope this initiative will serve as the foundation for a broader inclusive strategy—including the establishment of a day center, provision of additional professional staff, and the creation of a permanent support network for all families in need. We believe that Breza has both the capacity and the will to move in this direction, and we will be partners in every step that follows,” added Ilma Omerhodžić of the Center for Positive Practices.

In a society that recognizes and respects the needs of vulnerable groups, not only is a more just system built—but a stronger community is formed, one where everyone has a place.