Unison Armenia – for a real inclusion of people with disabilities
By Denise Nanni
and Milena Rampoldi, ProMosaik. In the following our interview with Armen Alaverdyan, Executive Director of Unison in Armenia, an organisation supporting people with disabilities and
struggling for their social inclusion. Unison stands for the human rights of
people with disability. Would like to thank Armen for his detailled answers.
For ProMosaik, it is fundamental to exchange information with social and human rights
organisations all over the world to learn inclusion and dialogue one from
another.
and Milena Rampoldi, ProMosaik. In the following our interview with Armen Alaverdyan, Executive Director of Unison in Armenia, an organisation supporting people with disabilities and
struggling for their social inclusion. Unison stands for the human rights of
people with disability. Would like to thank Armen for his detailled answers.
For ProMosaik, it is fundamental to exchange information with social and human rights
organisations all over the world to learn inclusion and dialogue one from
another.
What are the main
problems that people with disabilities face within society? Are prejudice
playing an important role into preventing their social inclusion?
problems that people with disabilities face within society? Are prejudice
playing an important role into preventing their social inclusion?
More than 204,000 of people are officially registered
as persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Armenia. PWDs across Armenia face
significant obstacles hindering their meaningful participation in the societal,
cultural, economic and political life of the country and their inclusion in the
community.
as persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Armenia. PWDs across Armenia face
significant obstacles hindering their meaningful participation in the societal,
cultural, economic and political life of the country and their inclusion in the
community.
Although Armenia ratified CRPD in 2010, most of the Convention’s
provisions are widely violated/ignored (Articles 2, 9, 19, 30 etc.). To bring
the national legislation in compliance with the CRPD, the draft law on the
rights protection and social inclusion of PWDs has been developed, which, when
adopted, will be a definite step forward in terms of legislation. The process
of the adoption of this law has lasted unreasonably much time. Currently, there
is a hope that the law will be adopted by the National Assembly early in 2017.
provisions are widely violated/ignored (Articles 2, 9, 19, 30 etc.). To bring
the national legislation in compliance with the CRPD, the draft law on the
rights protection and social inclusion of PWDs has been developed, which, when
adopted, will be a definite step forward in terms of legislation. The process
of the adoption of this law has lasted unreasonably much time. Currently, there
is a hope that the law will be adopted by the National Assembly early in 2017.
Little has been done in terms of practical
implementation of the CRPD. The CRPD implementation guidelines, which are meant
to foster execution of the CRPD in practice, have not been adapted for the
Armenian reality and are not exercised in Armenia.
implementation of the CRPD. The CRPD implementation guidelines, which are meant
to foster execution of the CRPD in practice, have not been adapted for the
Armenian reality and are not exercised in Armenia.
Legal issues are one of the main impediments to
societal integration of PWDs. The legislative gaps and contradictions make it
difficult for PWDs to implement their rights, thus lowering their motivation to
execute their rights.
societal integration of PWDs. The legislative gaps and contradictions make it
difficult for PWDs to implement their rights, thus lowering their motivation to
execute their rights.
One of the most important decision making processes
Armenian PWDs are widely excluded from are the elections. Due to the
inaccessibility of the polling stations and lack of accessible information/communications,
numerous PWDs are prevented from and/or not interested in participating in the
elections. Unison has continually implemented monitoring and observation of key
electoral process in the country. The recent accessibility monitoring
implemented by Unison (2013) found that 93.15% of Polling Stations in Yerevan
are inaccessible for wheelchair-users. In addition, alternative voting formats
(e-voting, proxy voting and mobile polling stations) that can ensure PWDs’
participation in Elections despite the lack of accessibility are not allowed by
the Electoral Code of Armenia. The rights of blind and deaf voters are also frequently
violated.
Armenian PWDs are widely excluded from are the elections. Due to the
inaccessibility of the polling stations and lack of accessible information/communications,
numerous PWDs are prevented from and/or not interested in participating in the
elections. Unison has continually implemented monitoring and observation of key
electoral process in the country. The recent accessibility monitoring
implemented by Unison (2013) found that 93.15% of Polling Stations in Yerevan
are inaccessible for wheelchair-users. In addition, alternative voting formats
(e-voting, proxy voting and mobile polling stations) that can ensure PWDs’
participation in Elections despite the lack of accessibility are not allowed by
the Electoral Code of Armenia. The rights of blind and deaf voters are also frequently
violated.
The physical inaccessibility of the majority of public
venues and facilities further fosters exclusion of PWDs from the Armenian
society.
venues and facilities further fosters exclusion of PWDs from the Armenian
society.
Because of poor quality or absence of relevant public
services, PWDs are frequently denied the opportunity for personal growth and
acquisition of skills necessary for independent living and full participation.
services, PWDs are frequently denied the opportunity for personal growth and
acquisition of skills necessary for independent living and full participation.
Over 170 schools in Armenia are officially inclusive;
however, the school buildings and facilities are not accessible and the
curricula is not inclusive for all children with disabilities. Furthermore,
schools lack trained staff and other human, technical and physical resources to
ensure the effective education of children with different types of
disabilities. Inclusive Education is essentially a formality: even when
children with disabilities are physically present in the classroom, they are
precluded from full participation in all educational and extra-curricular
opportunities available to schoolchildren in Armenia.
however, the school buildings and facilities are not accessible and the
curricula is not inclusive for all children with disabilities. Furthermore,
schools lack trained staff and other human, technical and physical resources to
ensure the effective education of children with different types of
disabilities. Inclusive Education is essentially a formality: even when
children with disabilities are physically present in the classroom, they are
precluded from full participation in all educational and extra-curricular
opportunities available to schoolchildren in Armenia.
The situation with higher education is analogous: the
overwhelming majority of higher education institutions and programs are
non-inclusive and inaccessible for PWDs. With support of OSCE, Unison was the
first to undertake significant measures aimed at enhancing the inclusiveness of
higher education in Armenia. In 2014, we implemented the first-in-Armenia large
scale survey on the Accessibility and Inclusiveness of Higher Education for
PWDs in Armenia. Among other key issues, barriers and challenges, the survey
found that 96% of Higher Education Institutions are inaccessible for PWDs and
students with disabilities comprise only 0.5% of all higher education students
in Armenia. Based on the key priorities identified by the survey, in 2015
Unison developed and promoted an Inclusive Policy of Higher Education in
Armenia, which was recognized by key stakeholders, including the RA Ministry of
Education and Science. This year, following up on our efforts in the field of
higher education, Unison formed a Group of Experts comprised of representatives
of key stakeholder groups (including PWDs) and developed Standards of Higher
Education. Considerable progress has been made in the sphere of Vocational and
Technical Education. In the frameworks of the LIFE (Livelihood Improvement for
Fostered Employment) program, in which Unison was an implementing partner,
succeeded in placing more than 900 PWDs in long or short-term vocational
education programs during the past 4 years.
overwhelming majority of higher education institutions and programs are
non-inclusive and inaccessible for PWDs. With support of OSCE, Unison was the
first to undertake significant measures aimed at enhancing the inclusiveness of
higher education in Armenia. In 2014, we implemented the first-in-Armenia large
scale survey on the Accessibility and Inclusiveness of Higher Education for
PWDs in Armenia. Among other key issues, barriers and challenges, the survey
found that 96% of Higher Education Institutions are inaccessible for PWDs and
students with disabilities comprise only 0.5% of all higher education students
in Armenia. Based on the key priorities identified by the survey, in 2015
Unison developed and promoted an Inclusive Policy of Higher Education in
Armenia, which was recognized by key stakeholders, including the RA Ministry of
Education and Science. This year, following up on our efforts in the field of
higher education, Unison formed a Group of Experts comprised of representatives
of key stakeholder groups (including PWDs) and developed Standards of Higher
Education. Considerable progress has been made in the sphere of Vocational and
Technical Education. In the frameworks of the LIFE (Livelihood Improvement for
Fostered Employment) program, in which Unison was an implementing partner,
succeeded in placing more than 900 PWDs in long or short-term vocational
education programs during the past 4 years.
Perhaps the most significant challenge to PWDs
inclusion in the Armenian society is the low level of employment of PWDs. While
the unemployment rate of the overall society is around 18%, more than 90% of
PWDs in Armenia are officially unemployed. Key factors contributing to such low
level of employment are stereotypical attitudes of employers and their lack of
understanding of PWDs’ skills and employment potential, the inaccessibility of
work environments, legislative gaps and contradictions, as well as the lack of
marketable proficiencies and independent living skills among PWDs.
inclusion in the Armenian society is the low level of employment of PWDs. While
the unemployment rate of the overall society is around 18%, more than 90% of
PWDs in Armenia are officially unemployed. Key factors contributing to such low
level of employment are stereotypical attitudes of employers and their lack of
understanding of PWDs’ skills and employment potential, the inaccessibility of
work environments, legislative gaps and contradictions, as well as the lack of
marketable proficiencies and independent living skills among PWDs.
To address these issues, Unison established the Job
Training and Placement Center back in 2006 and started providing job and career
related consultation, training and workshops to PWDs, while simultaneously
establishing partnerships with potential employers, challenging their
stereotypical perceptions and building awareness about actual abilities, skills
and potential of PWDs. The aforementioned LIFE program provided Unison the
opportunity to widen our efforts in the field of employment. We succeeded in
providing Independent Living and Job Search training to more than 600 PWDs,
implemented a number of effective advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns,
organized 4 targeted job-fairs, and, most importantly, placed more than 100
PWDs into gainful employment. Additionally, we established the Unison Studio, a
social enterprise which employs PWDs who provide digital services such as
photography, photo editing and retouching, video editing, scanning and digitizing,
etc. The studio also provides digital services to customers overseas.
Training and Placement Center back in 2006 and started providing job and career
related consultation, training and workshops to PWDs, while simultaneously
establishing partnerships with potential employers, challenging their
stereotypical perceptions and building awareness about actual abilities, skills
and potential of PWDs. The aforementioned LIFE program provided Unison the
opportunity to widen our efforts in the field of employment. We succeeded in
providing Independent Living and Job Search training to more than 600 PWDs,
implemented a number of effective advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns,
organized 4 targeted job-fairs, and, most importantly, placed more than 100
PWDs into gainful employment. Additionally, we established the Unison Studio, a
social enterprise which employs PWDs who provide digital services such as
photography, photo editing and retouching, video editing, scanning and digitizing,
etc. The studio also provides digital services to customers overseas.
Prejudices, stigma and stereotypes against PWDs are
prevalent in the Armenian society and can be considered the key underlying
issue hindering the inclusion of PWDs and the realization of their rights. PWDs
are often perceived as weak, helpless and incapable persons constantly
suffering from birth defects or horrible misfortunes and dreaming about
becoming “normal”. PWDs engaged in any type of activity (employment, education,
culture, politics, etc.) are perceived as “special” individuals, as “heroes”
who have “overcome their disability” due to super-human will and motivation. In
essence, PWDs are considered abnormal and are not perceived as full and equal
members of the society.
prevalent in the Armenian society and can be considered the key underlying
issue hindering the inclusion of PWDs and the realization of their rights. PWDs
are often perceived as weak, helpless and incapable persons constantly
suffering from birth defects or horrible misfortunes and dreaming about
becoming “normal”. PWDs engaged in any type of activity (employment, education,
culture, politics, etc.) are perceived as “special” individuals, as “heroes”
who have “overcome their disability” due to super-human will and motivation. In
essence, PWDs are considered abnormal and are not perceived as full and equal
members of the society.
How does the
independent living approach effect a person with disabilities? What are the
benefits for his physical and psychological health?
independent living approach effect a person with disabilities? What are the
benefits for his physical and psychological health?
The ratification of the CRPD by the Republic of
established a favorable groundwork for implementation of substantial reforms
towards inclusion of PWDs in the Armenian society. However, PWDs continue
facing significant environmental and attitudinal challenges obstructing
effective realization of their right to independent living, which consequently
impedes their inclusion in the community.
established a favorable groundwork for implementation of substantial reforms
towards inclusion of PWDs in the Armenian society. However, PWDs continue
facing significant environmental and attitudinal challenges obstructing
effective realization of their right to independent living, which consequently
impedes their inclusion in the community.
One of the main challenges hindering PWDs’
participation in the societal life of the country is their lack of
independence: Armenian PWDs are largely dependant on their families both for
financial support and assistance in their daily activities, to the extent that
family members make important decisions affecting the lives of PWDs. To address
this situation, Unison introduced the Independent Living Movement to Armenia
through establishment of the first-in-Armenia Center for Independent Living
(CIL) in Yerevan in 2006. To further the Independent Living philosophy in
Armenia, in 2013 Unison initiated and co-founded the Armenian Network for
Independent Living (ANIL), a coalition uniting the leading disability-rights
organizations in Armenia. These NGOs deal with all major types of disabilities:
visual, hearing, mobility, mental, developmental etc. However, despite these
efforts, the Independent Living Movement concept is yet to be recognized and
widely accepted in Armenia.
participation in the societal life of the country is their lack of
independence: Armenian PWDs are largely dependant on their families both for
financial support and assistance in their daily activities, to the extent that
family members make important decisions affecting the lives of PWDs. To address
this situation, Unison introduced the Independent Living Movement to Armenia
through establishment of the first-in-Armenia Center for Independent Living
(CIL) in Yerevan in 2006. To further the Independent Living philosophy in
Armenia, in 2013 Unison initiated and co-founded the Armenian Network for
Independent Living (ANIL), a coalition uniting the leading disability-rights
organizations in Armenia. These NGOs deal with all major types of disabilities:
visual, hearing, mobility, mental, developmental etc. However, despite these
efforts, the Independent Living Movement concept is yet to be recognized and
widely accepted in Armenia.
Due to low level of awareness, lack of accessible
infrastructures and relevant services, as well as the specific mentality (which
considers it normal for adults to rely on parents for both financial and other
support), PWDs in marzes (administrative regions of Armenia) are more dependent
on their families than those living in Yerevan.
infrastructures and relevant services, as well as the specific mentality (which
considers it normal for adults to rely on parents for both financial and other
support), PWDs in marzes (administrative regions of Armenia) are more dependent
on their families than those living in Yerevan.
The independent living approach is essential to the
inclusion of PWDs and realization of their rights and freedoms, since this
approach, also called “Independent Living Philosophy” or “Independent Living
Model”, aims to free PWDs from undue and unwanted dependency. This approach
helps achieve self-reliance among PWDs and ensure full access to all services,
processes, programs and opportunities.
inclusion of PWDs and realization of their rights and freedoms, since this
approach, also called “Independent Living Philosophy” or “Independent Living
Model”, aims to free PWDs from undue and unwanted dependency. This approach
helps achieve self-reliance among PWDs and ensure full access to all services,
processes, programs and opportunities.
Can you tell me
more about the art and computer training services that you offer?
more about the art and computer training services that you offer?
Young people with
disabilities (mostly with mental disabilities) attend the art training. The
lessons are held twice per week for each of the 2 groups. For the students, it
is a good chance of fulfilling their creative potential. We have noticed
personal growth of many of the students. For example, some young guys who were
not able to communicate with others and used to frequently violate the accepted
norms, now are fully communicable and adequate. The attendees of the art studio
participate in various exhibitions; sometimes there is a possibility to sell
their works.
disabilities (mostly with mental disabilities) attend the art training. The
lessons are held twice per week for each of the 2 groups. For the students, it
is a good chance of fulfilling their creative potential. We have noticed
personal growth of many of the students. For example, some young guys who were
not able to communicate with others and used to frequently violate the accepted
norms, now are fully communicable and adequate. The attendees of the art studio
participate in various exhibitions; sometimes there is a possibility to sell
their works.
The computer training is part of larger training
series within the Job Training and Placement Center at Unison. The participants
of the training are taught to successfully take job interviews, their
CV-writing and other relevant skills are enhanced. Given that the majority of
employers require at least basic computer literacy skills, the participants are
taught these skills and therefore become more competitive at the labor market. We
organize both group and individual training customized to the needs of
participants.
series within the Job Training and Placement Center at Unison. The participants
of the training are taught to successfully take job interviews, their
CV-writing and other relevant skills are enhanced. Given that the majority of
employers require at least basic computer literacy skills, the participants are
taught these skills and therefore become more competitive at the labor market. We
organize both group and individual training customized to the needs of
participants.
Additionally, we offer individual computer training to
persons with vision impairments and blind persons. The training provides PWDs
with necessary skills to use essential computer programs with special audio
software, which fosters their independent living and aids in the job-search
process.
persons with vision impairments and blind persons. The training provides PWDs
with necessary skills to use essential computer programs with special audio
software, which fosters their independent living and aids in the job-search
process.
Is Armenian society
responsive to your efforts?
responsive to your efforts?
Yes, increasingly so. While several years ago it was
quite a challenge to meaningfully engage the Armenian society in our
activities, due to large-scale awareness-raising efforts and communications
campaigns implemented by Unison and other DPOs during the recent years, we have
noticed significant progress in the level and quality of feedback we receive
from the general society. For example, some of our PSAs have more than 83,000
views on Youtube – this is significant, because most PSAs/social videos have no
more than 1000 views in Armenia.
quite a challenge to meaningfully engage the Armenian society in our
activities, due to large-scale awareness-raising efforts and communications
campaigns implemented by Unison and other DPOs during the recent years, we have
noticed significant progress in the level and quality of feedback we receive
from the general society. For example, some of our PSAs have more than 83,000
views on Youtube – this is significant, because most PSAs/social videos have no
more than 1000 views in Armenia.
Especially important for us is the readiness of the
society to participate in and contribute to various disability-focused public
activities: exhibitions, concerts, flash-mobs, public debates and discussions,
presentations, film screenings, etc. For instance, our most recent event,
“Dreams and Reality” which was a combination of a photo-exhibition, LIVE forum
and video screenings, packed full one of the biggest cinema halls in Armenia.
society to participate in and contribute to various disability-focused public
activities: exhibitions, concerts, flash-mobs, public debates and discussions,
presentations, film screenings, etc. For instance, our most recent event,
“Dreams and Reality” which was a combination of a photo-exhibition, LIVE forum
and video screenings, packed full one of the biggest cinema halls in Armenia.
The growing interest of media in disability-related
issues, news and events further confirms the positive changes in the
responsiveness of the society towards our efforts. While in the past having our
events covered by 1-2 media outlets was considered a success, now we have
almost all TV Channels present at our events. Furthermore, Unison staff members
are often interviewed or invited to participate in TV programs as independent
experts.
issues, news and events further confirms the positive changes in the
responsiveness of the society towards our efforts. While in the past having our
events covered by 1-2 media outlets was considered a success, now we have
almost all TV Channels present at our events. Furthermore, Unison staff members
are often interviewed or invited to participate in TV programs as independent
experts.
Do you cooperate
at any level with local/national authorities? If yes, how?
at any level with local/national authorities? If yes, how?
Unison cooperates with all of the key stakeholders
including state agencies: Ministry of Labor and Social Issues, Ministry of
Culture, Ministry of Science and Education, State Committee on Urban Planning,
Municipality of Yerevan and others. The cooperation with the Ministry of Labor
and Social Issues enables us to more effectively protect the rights of PWDs and
resolve some of the urgent issues. Unison participates in the discussions on
the new disability-related legislation and luckily our voice is mostly heard:
many of our suggestions become part of the national legislation (e.g., the
quota system which was heavily promoted by Unison, was included in the Law on
Employment in 2014). Especially successful is the cooperation of Unison with
the Yerevan Municipality; due to this cooperation, 25 accessible city buses
operate now in Yerevan, the crossroads and pavements are equipped with
compliant curb ramps, etc.
including state agencies: Ministry of Labor and Social Issues, Ministry of
Culture, Ministry of Science and Education, State Committee on Urban Planning,
Municipality of Yerevan and others. The cooperation with the Ministry of Labor
and Social Issues enables us to more effectively protect the rights of PWDs and
resolve some of the urgent issues. Unison participates in the discussions on
the new disability-related legislation and luckily our voice is mostly heard:
many of our suggestions become part of the national legislation (e.g., the
quota system which was heavily promoted by Unison, was included in the Law on
Employment in 2014). Especially successful is the cooperation of Unison with
the Yerevan Municipality; due to this cooperation, 25 accessible city buses
operate now in Yerevan, the crossroads and pavements are equipped with
compliant curb ramps, etc.
Do you think that
policy makers and institutions could do more in order to address the issues of
people with disabilities? If yes, how?
policy makers and institutions could do more in order to address the issues of
people with disabilities? If yes, how?
Yes. The majority of the policy makers ignore the
principle of the international disability community, “Nothing About Us
Without Us”. Many laws, regulations and policies are adopted with no prior
consultations with disabled people’s organizations (DPOs). In order to more
effectively address the issues of PWDs, policy makers should consult with DPOs
and avoid making non-compliant disability-related adaptations (e.g.,
constructing non-compliant ramps). Recognizing the importance of inclusive and
participatory policy-making, Unison recently initiated and implemented an
international program fostering inclusive decision-making for PWDs in Armenia,
Georgia and Moldova. In the frameworks of the program, we implemented an Index
of Participation research aimed at evaluating the accessibility and
inclusiveness of decision-making processes and structures in the three countries,
after which an educational and advocacy campaign was implemented.
principle of the international disability community, “Nothing About Us
Without Us”. Many laws, regulations and policies are adopted with no prior
consultations with disabled people’s organizations (DPOs). In order to more
effectively address the issues of PWDs, policy makers should consult with DPOs
and avoid making non-compliant disability-related adaptations (e.g.,
constructing non-compliant ramps). Recognizing the importance of inclusive and
participatory policy-making, Unison recently initiated and implemented an
international program fostering inclusive decision-making for PWDs in Armenia,
Georgia and Moldova. In the frameworks of the program, we implemented an Index
of Participation research aimed at evaluating the accessibility and
inclusiveness of decision-making processes and structures in the three countries,
after which an educational and advocacy campaign was implemented.
The program has helped as identify the specific
barriers hindering PWDs’ participation in decision-making in Armenia, which
will help us design and implement well-targeted and effective measures to
enhance the inclusiveness of decision-making in Armenia in the near future.
barriers hindering PWDs’ participation in decision-making in Armenia, which
will help us design and implement well-targeted and effective measures to
enhance the inclusiveness of decision-making in Armenia in the near future.
Photos:
01 – Opening of an inclusive playground at the Yerevan
Zoo
Zoo
02 – At the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situation
03 – Opening of the new accessible bus routes in
Yerevan
Yerevan
04 – Reception of the new wheelchairs
05 – Universal Rights Award 2015 – “Promoting
Inclusion Award” goes to Armen Alaverdyan
Inclusion Award” goes to Armen Alaverdyan
06 – Poster “I am Employed”
