Cooperation between local authorities and organizations of people with disabilities is an important step towards a more accessible, inclusive and open local community. With this goal in mind, on October 27, 2026, a meeting of the Tuzla Local Advocacy Group with representatives of city services was held in Gradačac, as part of an advocacy campaign implemented by the Coalition of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities of the Tuzla Canton and the Tuzla Local Advocacy Group through the DISC - Caritas BiH project.

The meeting was dedicated to improving communication and cooperation between the City of Gradačac and organizations of persons with disabilities, with a special focus on establishing clear mechanisms for the exchange of information and the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes at the local level.

One of the most important results of the meeting is the appointment of a contact point for issues of persons with disabilities in the City of Gradačac. Mrs. Nermina Hadžimuhamedović was chosen for this role, which made a significant step towards improving communication between city services and organizations of people with disabilities. This form of cooperation can contribute to timely information, better exchange of proposals and needs, and stronger inclusion of people with disabilities in local processes.

During the conversation, the importance of timely submission of draft budgets, relevant decisions and other documents to organizations of persons with disabilities was highlighted, in order to enable them to more actively monitor the work of local authorities and participate in processes that affect their daily lives.

It was also agreed to set up an information panel in a public place or in a suitable institution in Gradačac. This activity should contribute to better availability of information and greater visibility of issues that are significant for people with disabilities.

The meeting was also attended by the representatives of the "Steps of Hope" organization, Mirela Kadić and Asmira Mujanović, who emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation and expressed interest in its further development. The joint action of local authorities, organizations of persons with disabilities and other relevant actors represents an important basis for creating a community in which the needs and rights of all citizens are respected.

We would like to thank the City of Gradačac and the competent city services for the kind reception, hospitality and openness to conversation. We are especially grateful for the appointment of a contact point for issues of persons with disabilities, which represents an important step in building better and more sustainable relations between institutions and organizations that represent the rights of persons with disabilities.

We believe that the previous good cooperation will be continued and further improved through concrete activities, regular communication and joint advocacy for the equal participation of people with disabilities in the life of the local community.