During the 1980 Olympic games in Moscow, a Western journalist inquired whether the Soviet Union would participate in the first Paralympic games, scheduled to take place in Great Britain later that year. The reply from a Soviet representative was firm: “There are no invalids (people with disabilities) in the USSR!”.
This denial of the very existence of citizens with disabilities encapsulated the politics of exclusion and social distancing that characterized disability policy under state socialism. Historically throughout the former Soviet bloc, persons with physical and mental disabilities have been segregated and institutionalized to make them hidden from the public, and thus made seemingly invisible from early childhood.
Fifteen per cent of the world’s population – at least one billion people – have some form of disability, whether present at birth or acquired later in life. Nearly 240 million of them are children.
In more than 40 years the world has changed, and Moldova – now an independent country - was officially granted the EU candidate status 2022. And disability inclusion is a crucial aspect of the European Union’s efforts to promote equality and protect the rights of people with disabilities.
In Moldova, there are 10.9 thousand children with disabilities, representing 2 % of the total number of children. Yet, children with disabilities are among the most marginalized people in every society.
Not long ago (in 2021) the EU introduced a new European Disability Strategy, which also emphasizes the importance of involving persons with disabilities, collaborating with civil society, and supporting capacity building.
This is exactly what we are doing here today, with support from KfW and German Government (BMZ). As many of you know, Prietena mea is a grassroots organization established mainly by parents of children with special needs.
We know from different studies that a range of barriers limits their children's ability to function in daily life, access social services and engage in their communities. They are confronting different types of barriers, such as physical barriers – for example, buildings, transportation, toilets and playgrounds that cannot be accessed by wheelchair users. Also, communication and information barriers – such as textbooks unavailable in Braille, or public health announcements delivered without sign language interpretation, but also attitudinal barriers – like stereotyping, low expectations, pity, condescension, harassment, and bullying.
Each of these is rooted in historical social norms that reflect negative perceptions of disability associated with ableism: a system of beliefs, norms and practices that devalues people with disabilities.
Changing these norms is difficult but necessary also given the European integration path of the country. And UNICEF is committed to supporting these children and these parents in a meaningful and dignified, rather than charitable way, as these efforts are also shaping the future of Moldova.
At UNICEF we know - the extent to which children with disabilities can function, participate in society and lead fulfilling lives depends on how much they are accommodated and included. No matter their story, every child has every right to thrive.
That’s why, it is important to understand, identify the needs and challenges and to support the children with disabilities, discuss and empower their parents but also strengthen the capacities of specialists and professionals working in this area.
In particular, it is crucial to hear the voices of parents and caregivers, as well as their challenges in raising and educating their children, as they are a critical factor in helping children enjoy their full role within society.
Peer support among parents of children with disabilities plays a vital role in creating a supportive and empathetic community. Parents who share similar experiences and challenges form a network that not only provides emotional support but also valuable insights and practical advice. By actively engaging in peer support, parents can break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society, but also, become the most important pivot of support of their children.
UNICEF works to build a world where children and adolescents with disabilities reach their full potential, grow up healthy, educated, heard, engaged in their communities, and protected from harm. This is central to UNICEF’s mission to realize the rights of every child and leave no one behind.
Thus, we are proud to support the project with Prietena Mea NGO “An inclusive world starts with me, with you, with us…”, realized with the financial support of KFW and the German Government (BMZ), aiming to develop the first platform in Moldova for parents of/and children with disabilities which will provide and facilitate the access to information, but also will empower parents and caregivers through the support groups activities.
Thank you to all those who are engaged in this important initiative and for taking a committed civic stance as partners in militating for a more inclusive and healthy society.
