Dismantling the barriers of disability

31 October 2018 - Worldwide, children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable and marginalized, with greater risk of deprivation and exclusion from services and other opportunities. They face stigma, have poor access to quality healthcare services, social services, and education. Facing discrimination, their families often leave these children in residential institutions limiting opportunities for the rehabilitation and development to the full potential. 

The administrative records count around 2.5 per cent of the population as children with disabilities; yet, this figure may represent only half of the estimated rate of disability among children according to the international evidence. 

“We will continue our work in partnership with Government, disability persons’ organizations, parents and children themselves to achieve the acceptance of disability as part of human diversity. Reduction of stigma, along with removal of the eventual legislative and structural barriers will be our focus to ensure that every child with disability enjoy full inclusion and dignified life” said Roberto De Bernardi, UNICEF Representative.

General information of children with disability in Albania:

• Improving data: Children with disabilities must be made more visible and data should drive the formulation of appropriate programmes and policies.
• The right for learning and development: Children with disabilities should be provided with assistive devices and technology at affordable cost to prevent their isolation and exclusion. Education adopted for child’s individual’s learning needs should be guaranteed for every child with disability. 
• Early identification: Early identification of disabilities should be immediately addressed, to ensure timely support to the child and family. A multi-dimensional approach to disability assessment should be followed to encompass the complete range of functional difficulties of children. 
• Access to quality essential services: There is an increase of children with disabilities accessing the social care services from 3 per cent in 2015 to 8 per cent in 2017. However, parents are concerned that services for children with disabilities are not always available, affordable and accessible, especially in the rural areas. 
• Stigma: Children with disabilities have dreams and aspirations like any other child in Albania; however, parents have less optimistic views for their children’s future. The prevailing stigma against disability continues to create significant barriers and exclusion in their daily life. with disabilities and their families continue to experience stigma

This event is organized in cooperation with Albanian Down Syndrome and with the support of European Commission under IPA-II project “Protecting Children from Violence and promoting social inclusion of children with disabilities in Western Balkans and Turkey”.