Mayor Kaladze Observes International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze attended an event on Monday dedicated to recognizing the rights of people with disabilities. According to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1992, December3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

At the event, held at the Tbilisi City Assesmbly building, Kaladze noted that one of City Hall's main priorities is to ensure that people with disabilities in the city can live an independent life and be engaged in their communities.

"Our main goal is to ensure the independent life, engagement and equality of people with disabilities. First of all, it is the obligation of the state and the private sector to create appropriate infrastructure for the movement of people with disabilities in buildings and on streets, to promote their employment and independent life. Tbilisi City Hall arranges [ground level] crossings in the city at all the projects where rehabilitation works are implemented - the rights of people with disabilities are considered. This direction is laid out in the new, European type, ecologically clean buses, purchased by City Hall, which are all wheelchair accessible," said Kaladze.

Tbilisi, says the mayor, endeavors to become an inclusive and comfortable city for any citizen.

"While issuing construction permits, it is mandatory to consider ramps and lifts for people with disabilities in the project. It is also necessary that schools and kindergartens be equipped with appropriate infrastructure. It is noteworthy that the city center already has a parasport center and five municipal programs are working with people with disabilities," Kaladze continued.

City Hall's "Day Centers" program is co-financed by the state subprogram which funds 25% of the voucher recipients who benefit from day centers for people with disabilities living in the capital. Since 2015, City Hall has financed over 200 projects within the framework of the Program for Supporting the Integration of Persons with Disabilities.

The event dedicated to the Day of Persons with Disabilities was organized by Tbilisi City Hall's Health Care and Social Service department. Chairman of the Tbilisi Sakrebulo Giorgi Tkemaladze, Deputy Mayor Sophio Khuntsaria and members of Sakrebulo attended the event, along with a group of specially invited people with disabilities. 

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: Tbilisi City Hall