Although Montenegro has clearly prescribed the obligation of accessibility for publicly used facilities through its legislative framework, the reality on the ground shows that persons with disabilities still face serious obstacles on a daily basis when accessing healthcare institutions. Inaccessible entrances, inadequate approaches, the absence of ramps, elevators, and accessible sanitary facilities continue to deny the realization of one of the fundamental human rights – the right to healthcare.
The Network for European Policies – MASTER is launching the project “Inclusive Design: Healthcare Facilities Without Barriers”, with the support of the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, through the public call “Accessibility as an Ex Ante Obligation”. The project represents a continuation of previously successfully implemented initiatives in the field of accessibility and universal design.
The aim of the project is to improve equality for persons with disabilities by enhancing the spatial accessibility of public healthcare institutions and ensuring more consistent implementation of existing legal solutions, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
During the implementation of the project, key activities will be carried out, including the mapping of accessibility in 30 healthcare institutions across Montenegro, the preparation of a Situation Analysis with recommendations and examples of good practices from European Union member states, as well as education and dialogue with institutions, the professional community, and the general public. Special focus will be placed on reasonable accommodation, universal design, and the obligations of institutions in the field of accessibility of healthcare facilities.
The project also includes a media and information campaign, the production of a short documentary film, and the development of a Guide for citizens on the accessibility of healthcare institutions, in order to ensure that reliable and useful information is accessible to everyone.
The project “Inclusive Design: Healthcare Facilities Without Barriers” aims to establish a reliable database, initiate institutional dialogue, and offer sustainable solutions so that healthcare institutions in Montenegro become accessible to every citizen – without barriers and without discrimination.
Accessibility is not a privilege. Accessibility is an obligation. Healthcare must be equally accessible to all.