The panel discussion on inclusive community development titled “Employment Policies and Local Support Measures for Persons with Disabilities” was held in Sarajevo, organized by the organization “LIR Civil Society.”

The event brought together representatives of institutions, local governments, professionals, civil society organizations, as well as persons with disabilities.

This panel session significantly contributed to cross-sector experience exchange and provided important recommendations on supporting persons with disabilities.
The discussion covered topics such as institutional support, inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making, good employment practices, everyday support services, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Special emphasis was placed on the voices of persons with disabilities and their active participation in the community.

The panel’s conclusions highlighted key challenges and possible directions for improving inclusion:

• Employment barriers include bureaucracy, lack of information and limited systemic support. Better institutional coordination and more flexible regulations are needed.
• Effective forms of support include subsidies, tax incentives, mentoring and job-specific training.
• Sustainable inclusion requires partnerships between the private sector, institutions and civil society through joint programmes and training.
• There is a gap between strategies and real practice, highlighting the need for policies to be realistically aligned with the capacities and needs of persons with disabilities.
• Barriers in education persist in terms of accessibility and support; institutional reforms, practical and digital programmes and stronger links with employers are required.

LIR CD remains committed to further advancing the rights and quality of life of persons with disabilities.

The project “Strengthening the Capacities and Political Engagement of Community Service Providers – IRIS PROGRESS” is funded by the European Union. The project is implemented by the Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC) in partnership with Arbeiter Samariter Bund e.V. (Germany), Alfa Centre (Montenegro), Labour Rights Centre (Albania), Community Development Institute (North Macedonia), LIR CD (BiH), and the Centre for Independent Living (Kosovo*).