On December 3, we observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On Monday, December 1st, we hosted representatives of the Zavod Brez Ovir (Institute Without Barriers). They shared information about their mission and activities, with a special emphasis on presenting personal assistance as both an employment opportunity and a right in Slovenia.
The meeting opened important questions about who in our society is truly given the opportunity to participate fully.
The Director of the Intercultural Dialogue Association, Furkan Guner, emphasized that integration truly begins only when a person has the opportunity to actively participate in the environment in which they live. According to Guner, migrants and persons with disabilities often encounter similar obstacles — limited language proficiency, unclear information about their rights, and feelings of isolation and discrimination.
A representative of Zavod Brez ovir, Davor Knežiček, highlighted that the field of personal assistance offers many opportunities both for users and for migrants who wish to work in support-oriented professions. Meetings like this one enable an exchange of experiences and help us better understand the needs that are often overlooked in everyday life.
Personal assistant Goran Ajtič also shared his perspective, describing personal assistance as a relationship of trust and cooperation — not merely a set of services. In his words, assistance is precisely what enables people with disabilities to take an active role in the community.
The event showed that the paths of migrants and people with disabilities often intersect. Both communities seek dignity, opportunity, and a space where their voices are heard. An inclusive society begins with relationships and a genuine willingness to understand one another.
We thank the Zavod Brez ovir for their visit and invaluable insights. We look forward to potential joint events and collaboration in the future.
