Persons with Disabilities are marginalized and face many challenges in everyday life. Many of them struggle with limited mobility, lack of access to educational and employment opportunities, and often encounter social barriers and stigmatization. The lack of consistent funding further complicates their fight for a normal life. Despite these difficulties, many organizations that bring together persons with disabilities are dedicated to fighting for their rights and integration into society. One positive example is the Association of Paraplegics and Polio Survivors of Zenica, which has launched the initiative "We Don't Want to Be Shadows" with the goal of ensuring continuous budget funding for organizations of persons with disabilities (OOSI) and civilian war victims (CŽR) in Zenica.

Namely, the Law on Organizations and Representative Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, which has been in effect since 2024, prescribes clear criteria for acquiring the status of representative organizations of persons with disabilities and representative organizations of civilian war victims. However, in Zenica, public calls are not announced in accordance with the mentioned Law, nor are financial resources allocated for the work of representative organizations. This campaign aims to change that.

"We want the city of Zenica to be the first to recognize representative OOSI and CŽR in accordance with legal regulations and to support them by enabling funding for regular program activities, which would work on improving the status and rights of persons with disabilities in society," said representatives from the Association of Paraplegics and Polio Survivors of Zenica.

The current situation and the existing method of financing have significantly hindered the work of OOSI. The application of the new law foresees basic funding for these organizations from the budget, while additional funds would be raised through public calls, grants, and projects. By ensuring continuous funding for organizations of persons with disabilities, the city of Zenica would demonstrate its commitment to the principles of equality and inclusion, providing support to the most vulnerable members of the community. This would create conditions for their full integration into the social, cultural, and economic life of the city, allowing persons with disabilities to actively contribute to their community, overcome daily obstacles, and build a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

"We are not asking for privileges, but for equal access to the resources necessary for our activities. Our associations are often the foundation of support for many people whose voices go unheard. Support from local and other levels of government allows us to continuously work on improving the quality of life for our members and to actively participate in the social and economic life of the city of Zenica," emphasized Selvedin Dedić, president of the "Dlan" Association from Zenica.

The campaign "We Don't Want to Be Shadows" emphasizes the importance of long-term support for these organizations so they can continuously provide the necessary support to the community.

"Continuous funding is not just a moral obligation but an investment in an inclusive society where everyone can contribute according to their abilities. We are not asking for charity, but for an equal opportunity to contribute to society as we can as persons with disabilities. This is not an investment in us as individuals, but in the future of the city of Zenica as a whole. By ensuring continuous funding for these associations, the city of Zenica should set an example for all others. That is our wish. For the city of Zenica to be the first city to fulfill its legal obligations based on this law," emphasizes Harun Aliefendić, president of the Association of Paraplegics and Polio Survivors of Zenica.

The initiative officially began with a press conference where the main goals were presented and where involved organizations called on citizens and institutions at all levels to support them.

"We need the support of both citizens and the local community. We are organizations that gather very sensitive categories, and I believe that through our activity and fight for legal solutions, we can improve the position of persons with disabilities in the local community and beyond," added Harun.

You can find more about the initiative on the Facebook page of the Association of Paraplegics and Polio Survivors of Zenica.