A panel discussion dedicated to the European Independence Day was held in Batumi city

In Batumi, on May 5, 2022, the disabled peoples’ organizations Changes for Equal Rights and the Coalition for Independent Living in frames of the EU-funded project Civil Society for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Georgia hosted a panel discussion aiming at marking the European Independent Living Day. The theme of event was Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities, Challenges and Support Services.

At the meeting, the disabled activists and the leaders of the Independent Living Centers discussed the philosophy of independent living, the challenges the persons with disabilities face and the importance of Independent Living Centers and their core services.

The invited guests included Mikheil Sarjveladze, the Chairperson of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament of Georgia; Sozar Subari, the Chairperson of the Committee on Regional Policy and Self-Government of the Parliament of Georgia; Tamila Barkalaia, the Deputy Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour and Health and Social Affairs of Georgia; Mzia Giorgobiani, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia; Rati Ionatamishvili, the Member of Parliament of Georgia; Nino Nizharadze, the Minister of Health and Social Affairs of Adjara; municipality representatives and young persons with disabilities from different regions of Georgia.

Europe Independent Living Day was established in 2014 by the European Network for Independent Living (ENIL). Its purpose is to raise awareness of independent living and to bring together people with disabilities and their supporters across Europe.

For more information, please contact:
Ana Astvatsaturiani; Project Communication Officer +995 598 639 361 anaastvatsaturiani@gmail.com
Davit Ardzenadze; Activist; +995 591 989 376; David.ardzenadze2@gmail.com