Children with disabilities are mainstreamed into Georgian schools, either in the actual class room or by receiving tutoring services that enable them to stay in school. Photos: Save the Children in Georgia

Supporting Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Implementing Partner: Save the Children Federation, Inc.

Funding Period: September 2004 – September 2011

Amount: $1,890,000

Purpose: Foster conditions for equal opportunities and full participation of persons with disabilities in political, economic, and social life in Georgia.

Objectives:

• Improve service delivery for children with disabilities
• Develop a model for teaching deaf children
• Consolidate an inclusive education model in Kutaisi's two mainstream schools
• Develop comprehensive and sustainable social rehabilitation services for children with disabilities in Terjola, Imereti
• Promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities

• Improve national policies and practices to respond to the needs of persons with disbilities
• Displaced persons organizations establish public dialogue on disability rleated issues with local municipalities
• Enhance public awareness of the righs and needs of persons with disabilties

In Georgia, USAID works with and on behalf of people with disabilities. Project staff members work with the Georgian Coalition for Independent Living to empower members of the DPO community to work on behalf of people with disabilities. The project uses best practices from international partners to strengthen national, regional, and local associations and enable them to establish working relationships with government organizations. In addition, the project is working to education the public on the civil rights of people with disabilities by producing videos and radio programs on elections and accessibility.