On June 20th, the Education Development and
Employment Center (EDEC) held a round table meeting in Batumi about the
integration of people with disabilities. Here, the respective needs, problems, and challenges were discussed.

Natia Namicheishvili, Executive Director of
the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC) introduced the ongoing project
and discussion topics. Giorgi Arsenidze, representative of ASB Georgia and
Manager of the project “Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities,”
greeted all participants.

Giorgi Akhmeteli, Executive Director of the
movement Accessible Environment for Everyone presented the results of Europe
Foundation’s survey “Use of Public Finances for people with disabilities –
Inclusion and Participation.”

Toma Kakabadze and Dea Eremashvili, both representatives
of the Support and Information Center for Persons with Disabilities, talked
about supportive services which allow people with special needs to live
independently.

The discussion was held within the framework of the EU-funded project “Equal Opportunities for People with
Disabilities.” It is implemented by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Georgia (ASB
Georgia) in cooperation with its partner organizations, the Education
Development and Employment Center (EDEC) and Accessible Environment for
Everyone.