JOINT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE MESCHETI REGION
The situation of people with disabilities in Georgia remains a challenge, despite some progress toward improving their living conditions and social integration. Below are some aspects of the situation of people with disabilities in Georgia:
- Infrastructure and accessibility: Infrastructure adapted to the needs of people with disabilities often remains inadequate. Cities, especially smaller ones, often lack wheelchair-friendly sidewalks, and public buildings are rarely adapted to the needs of people with different types of disabilities.
- Education: While there are programs to support education for people with disabilities, access to education for them can be limited, especially in rural areas. Many schools and universities are not adapted to the needs of people with different types of disabilities.
- Employment: People with disabilities in Georgia often face difficulties in finding work. These obstacles are due to both a lack of workplace accommodations and social stereotypes about disability.
- Access to health services: Despite some improvements, access to appropriate health services for people with disabilities can still be a challenge. Lack of adjustments to medical facilities and difficulties in accessing specialized health care are significant problems.
Access to health services: Despite some improvements, access to adequate health services for people with disabilities can still be a challenge. Lack of adaptation of medical facilities and difficulties in accessing specialized health care are significant problems.
Public awareness: Despite the public’s increasing awareness of disability issues, stereotypes and prejudices are still present.This hinders the full integration of people with disabilities into society.
- Government and NGO support: The Georgian government and NGOs are making efforts to improve the situation of people with disabilities. Support programs, educational initiatives and infrastructure projects are being implemented, although the pace of these changes may vary in different regions of the country.
The Camillian Order’s mission in Georgia is an invaluable contribution to helping the sick and disabled.
The Order, based on Catholic values, is focused on helping those most in need, especially those affected by disabilities. Their efforts cover a wide spectrum of activities aimed at improving the quality of life and social integration of people with various disabilities.
The Camillians operate care centers and nursing homes in Tbilisi and Akhalciche, where they provide comprehensive medical and psychosocial care. Rehabilitation programs, focusing on restoring fitness and improving functional capacity, are an integral part of their mission. These activities are focused on equal opportunities in access to education and employment for people with disabilities.
The Camillian Order’s mission includes partnerships with local institutions, governmental organizations and other entities, enabling them to work more effectively for the benefit of local communities. This cooperation promotes the social integration of people with disabilities and creates a more inclusive society.
Although the situation of people with disabilities in Georgia remains a challenge, the Camillians’ mission is bringing real change, emphasizing not only medical aspects, but also education, social support and social inclusion. Their work is an inspiring model for a holistic approach to helping the neediest in society.
Our Goals
In cooperation with the Camillians, we plan to implement a project dedicated to people with disabilities and their families in the picturesque village of Khisabavra. The area is home to a Humanitarian Center run by the monks, which, despite the support it receives, still aims to expand its offerings to include substantive assistance and the provision of therapeutic materials for its charges.
The project also includes exploiting the tourism potential of this charming village, located in the picturesque region of the Lesser Caucasus. We want to create an innovative approach that not only supports the local community, but also integrates people with disabilities, enabling them to actively participate in community life.
Our foundation aims to facilitate access to specialized resources and therapies for people with disabilities by supporting the Khisabrava Humanitarian Center. The project focuses not only on providing material assistance, but also on providing substantive tools that will increase the independence and quality of life of the wards.
In the long term, by capitalizing on the tourism potential, the project aims not only to help the local community by generating revenue, but also to maximize resources to support people with disabilities. By integrating tourism with humanitarian efforts, we plan to create a sustainable model that supports community development and promotes awareness and understanding of the needs of people with disabilities.