Organized by the Union of Disabled Persons' Organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Caritas Bosnia and Herzegovina, MyRight, and the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Third Congress of Disabled Persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina dedicated to the topic of assistive technologies was held in Sarajevo.
The Third Congress of Persons with Disabilities in BiH was held from October 21 to 23, 2025, in Sarajevo, and brought together more than 190 participants, mainly representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities from all over BiH, but also representatives of the government, public institutions, international organizations, and the academic community. The event was largely financed by the European Union, with additional financial support from the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities of the FBiH, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), and the company Otto Bock Adria d.o.o., which operates in the field of orthopedic technology. BHRT was the general media sponsor of the Congress.
The central theme of the Third Congress of Persons with Disabilities was assistive technologies, and the official title was "A Step Forward: Assistive Technologies for a More Inclusive Society in BiH". The focus was placed on encouraging dialogue, exchanging knowledge, and developing concrete measures that contribute to greater accessibility and the application of assistive technologies - tools that enable people with disabilities to live more independently, actively, and equally.
In the introductory part of the Congress, the attendees were addressed by representatives of the European Union, the United Nations, the Union of Disabled Persons' Organizations in BiH, Caritas Bosnia and Herzegovina, MyRight, the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, and the City of Sarajevo. The speakers emphasized that the Congress is one of the key events of the disability movement in BiH and emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and continuous support in improving the rights and position of persons with disabilities.
Through panel sessions, discussions, and examples of good practice, participants analyzed the challenges in the availability of assistive technologies, presented innovative solutions and sustainable financing models, and developed recommendations for improving policies, legislation, and cooperation between different sectors. Special attention was paid to the active inclusion of people with disabilities in the process of developing and testing technologies that meet their real needs.
The congress was realized within the framework of the DISC project, which is implemented by Caritas BiH in cooperation with the Vedri osmijeh Association, the Association of the Blind of Sarajevo Canton, the Association of the Blind of Republika Srpska, and the Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in BiH. The project is funded by the European Union, co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and Caritas Slovenia, and is implemented with the aim of strengthening the capacities of organizations of people with disabilities and improving their position in society. (caritas.ba)
