The campaign “Give Priority Even When You (Don’t) See the Reason” was officially launched in Breza with the promotion of the book Being a Brother or Sister to a Child with Special Needs. The Public Library in Breza became a space for opening the door to a deeper understanding of the everyday lives of families raising children with developmental disabilities.

The campaign, implemented by the Center for Positive Practice Breza, began with a heartfelt presentation of the book by its author, Amina Pašić. Through a personal testimony of growing up with a brother with developmental difficulties, she initiated a conversation on the role of the family, societal misunderstanding, and the importance of support.

“This book isn’t just about childhood – it’s about how the silence of the system forces us to grow up too soon. My brother taught me patience, and society taught me how to fight. The hardest part is feeling invisible, even when you need help the most,” Amina shared.
She emphasized that writing was her healing and therapy.

“I carried a deep sense of sadness and confusion for years because no one spoke about what I was going through. Writing became my way of making sense of it all, of understanding both myself and my brother better. I hope this book helps others recognize themselves in it and realize they are not alone.”

The discussion also featured Edna Smailbegović, the mother of a girl with developmental disabilities, and Ilma Omerhodžić, psychologist and expert associate at the Center for Social Work. Their words resonated deeply with the audience.

“I am part of a quiet but powerful army of families who fight daily – not against disability, but against misunderstanding, barriers, and the silence of society. We don’t want pity; we need understanding and awareness, both within institutions and across society. When we ask for priority, we’re not asking for privilege – we’re asking for relief from an ongoing struggle,” said Edna.

Psychologist Ilma Omerhodžić emphasized:

“Our society and system still fail to see families of children with disabilities as units in need of comprehensive support. Material aid exists, but true support – the kind where families know someone stands with them – is left to the NGO sector. This campaign matters because it calls for concrete actions, not symbolic gestures. It’s time to become a society that recognizes, understands, and responds.”

The book promotion is the first in a series of activities planned as part of the “Give Priority Even When You (Don’t) See the Reason” campaign. The campaign aims to advocate for the right to priority access for parents and guardians of children and adults with developmental disabilities in all public institutions within the municipality of Breza.

The campaign has received official support from the Mayor of Breza, Vedad Jusić, and members of the Municipal Council, who acknowledged the importance of institutional adaptation to meet the needs of vulnerable groups.

More information about upcoming activities can be found on the Center for Positive Practice’s social media channels.