Information and Support Center for Persons with Multiple Disabilites

Location:

Shirak Region, Armenia

Launched:October 15, 2012

Goal:

Enable children and youth with multiple disabilities and their families living in Gyumri (Shirak Marz, Armenia) integrate into the society and be equally treated.

Description:

According to National Statistics and the figures analyzed by UNICEF 70% of disabled children live below poverty line and 13% in extreme poverty. Being a post-soviet country Armenia did not really have developed social protection systems for the disabled individuals. We have laws but those are not really implemented because of the absence of mechanisms. Also, the results of the latest survey carried out by Armenian Caritas showed that the awareness of families with disabled children on their rights and benefits is very low. Only 30 % of the families have distinct idea of the authority officially anticipated for the child. The general public does not understand the problems of the disabled; they distance themselves from them thus leaving them socially excluded. Armenian Caritas is deeply concerned about the situation and it is planned to get involved in all layers to be able to bring considerable improvement in the field. The project will support the persons with disabilities and their families by providing information, consultations and trainings thus assuring their social inclusion. It will work towards creating positive attitude and accelerating the social inclusion processes.

Donor Agency:Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Project manager:Armen Martirosyan