On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, the Association of Visually Impaired Citizens of Tuzla organized a public event in Tuzla titled “Gathering Without Barriers” to promote equal opportunities for citizens with disabilities, with a focus on their participation in public and political life.

The event included a discussion between local government representatives and persons with disabilities, the distribution of brochures and leaflets with information on accessibility, and socializing with citizens. Participants in the debate included: Asja Ređić, Assistant to the Mayor of Tuzla for Culture, Sports, Youth and Social Protection; Nataša Perić, Deputy Chair of the Tuzla City Council; councilors Svjetlana Kakeš and Senad Mehmedinović; Rejhana Dervišević, Member of the State Parliament and long-time activist of the Lions Club Tuzla; and activists from the Association Kasim Kahrimanović, Ervin Ćosić, and Armin Babović.

Ms. Ređić reflected on the steps taken by the local government to improve the living conditions of citizens with disabilities and the work of the Tuzla City Council for Persons with Disabilities, which includes representatives of both local authorities and disability organizations.

Svjetlana Kakeš and Senad Mehmedinović presented initiatives and conclusions adopted by the City Council for the benefit of citizens with disabilities. The right of Tuzla citizens with 90% and 100% disability to free public bus transportation within the city is just one of many adopted initiatives.

Young activists of the Association, Armin Babović and Ervin Ćosić, pointed out the need to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities across the city.

It was encouraging to see that both local authorities and persons with disabilities spoke with one voice—something that does not happen often—showing the willingness of the local government to improve the position of citizens with disabilities, demonstrated not only through words but also through concrete actions.

The event was supported by the Tuzla Center for Culture, the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, and the Information Center for Persons with Disabilities “Lotos.”