Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Public Life (GE0098)

Description of the current state and the problem

The Open Government Georgia Action Plan for 2018-2019 included various initiatives aimed at enhancing the involvement of individuals with disabilities in public life, specifically focusing on improving the quality of services they receive. It is important that the new Action Plan sets even more ambitious objectives, expanding its scope to include groups that currently lack opportunities for engagement in public life. This should encompass individuals with disabilities residing in large institutions, such as psychiatric institutions and boarding homes for the disabled. Despite the country's commitment to deinstitutionalization as a vital element of public policy, significant challenges persist in this area. Notably, the issue of people with disabilities living in isolation from society has not been fully addressed. Key concerns affecting beneficiaries of large institutions include access to housing, support for independent living, and other community services. Consequently, many individuals are compelled to remain in specialized institutions,11 missing out on the advantages accessible to the broader society, such as active and unrestricted participation in public life.

Brief description of the commitment

In light of the foregoing, it is important that the new Action Plan promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in public life through deinstitutionalization and the development of community services. It is important to note that, in 2022, the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia conducted a study on the individual needs of residents of the institutions. The study led to the approval of the 2023-2030 Strategy for Independent Living and Deinstitutionalization of Persons with Disabilities, along with the Action Plan for its implementation in the years 2023- 2025.12 Thus, consistent efforts in this direction have already begun. For the next stage, the state should consider issues such as: - The development of community services throughout the country. - The establishment and application of a mechanism that actively and effectively engages individuals with disabilities, including those with psychosocial needs, as well as the organizations representing them, in the implementation and monitoring of the policy. - Raising public awareness.

Milestones | Expected Output

5.1 Development of community services throughout the country | Services are developed throughout the country based on the individual needs of the relevant individuals and groups

5.2 Plan and implement a continuous information campaign to raise public awareness | Information campaign is planned and implemented to enhance awareness of social services among disabled individuals, their family members, representatives of state agencies, and the public

Indicator

1. Programs are developed throughout the country based on the individual needs of the relevant individuals and groups.
2. Large-scale information campaign on social services planned and implemented.

Action Plan Review

Commitment 5, led by the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia, aims to foster inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in public life. Work has begun with the approval of the 2023-2030 Strategy for Independent Living and Deinstitutionalization of PWDs. The commitment outlines the main directions of deinstitutionalization such as community services, engagement mechanisms, and public awareness. However, it does not explain how the community services will be carried out, or what new engagement mechanisms will be created, giving it unclear potential for results. The lead ministry noted that, under the commitment, centers for independent living have been created to raise public awareness of the issues of PWDs, including their rights, opportunities and obligations of support from society. [24] Additionally, NGOs have developed online platforms to disseminate information about programs and services for PWDs. [25] During implementation, it will be important to establish measurable indicators to assess the uptake and effectiveness of the services and engagement mechanism in enhancing the inclusion of PWDs in public life.