Every year in Serbia, awards are handed out for improving accessibility, but is this just another formality or real care for people with disabilities? Deputy Ombudsman Zoran Pašćanalić recently gave awards to cities and municipalities that contributed the most to accessibility. The top prize went to Pirot for reconstructing the Army House, now accessible for people with disabilities, children, and the elderly. But is that enough?
Pašćanalić emphasized that local governments are increasingly caring for people with disabilities, and public awareness is growing. However, he stressed that accessibility is not just about hospitals but also museums, cinemas, and theaters — places everyone wants to visit.
Besides Pirot, awards went to Bosilegrad for installing an elevator in the Health Center, Bela Palanka for improving accessibility at a high school, Smederevo for cooperation with associations, Kikinda for adapting public and private buildings, and Kragujevac was praised for introducing personal assistants and opening a day center for people with disabilities.
But how much has really been done? Are these awards just a pretty picture for the public or real progress? Accessibility is a topic that concerns us all because no one is immune to life circumstances that can change our needs. That’s why it’s important to keep reminding and demanding concrete actions, not just awards.
If you think this is just another ceremony with no real effect, or maybe you’re surprised by how much is actually being done, drop a comment and share your thoughts. Who knows, maybe your critique or praise will spark real change!
