Given that a large number of PWD associations in the Republic of Serbia are facing various problems concerning space, property-legal issues and conditions for the work of these organizations, the Department for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities of the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs adopted a systematic approach to resolving this problem.
With the support of the mayor of Novi Sad, Milos Vucevic, the Department for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities implemented the strategic project “Accessible space for all associations of the City of Novi Sad”, and enabled the smooth operation of Novi Sad associations by providing them an adequate unique space. Novi Sad is the first city that has resolved space-related problems of local associations.
The building in 1 Vojvode Putnika street is located in the very centre of the city, near the Danube Park, and was built between 1937 and 1938, as the building of the HOME OF THE YUGOSLAV TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION. Above the entrance is a statue of Djorđe Natosevic, the work of Novi Sad sculptor Karl Baranji from 1934. This imposing and studiously designed residential and business building is the work of architect Vlajko Jancic.
This building of great cultural significance still houses some of the cultural institutions and societies. Its angular position still dominates the edge of the Danube Park.
On the ground floor of the building, there is space housing five associations, with 6 fully equipped offices, as well as a modern multimedia meeting room where, inter alia, different types of association activities take place, such as round tables, thematic workshops, forums, promotions and other activities intended for persons with disabilities.
The building is accessible to people with disabilities, a metal ramp with two-row handrails was installed at the entrance to the building, and an alarm and video surveillance were installed.
Premises are used by the Organization of the Labour Disabled Workers of the City of Novi Sad, the Association of Kidney Patients of Novi Sad, the Association of Sign Language Interpreters, Novi Sad, the Wilson Disease Association and the Amputee Association of Novi Sad
In addition to their regular activities, associations organize here also other various activities, such as art colonies for members of the City Organization of the Labour Disabled Workers, psychosocial support workshops for members of the Association of Kidney Patients, while the Association of Sign Language Interpreters organizes sign language trainings, psychological support and educational workshops on health and empowerment of deaf and hard-of-hearing people, and also runs a centre for learning support to deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and support to hearing children whose parents are deaf.
In cooperation with MOZZART, a socially responsible company, a van adapted for people with disabilities was provided.
The vehicle was put at the disposal of PWD associations in the territory of 8 municipality of the South Banat district.
