The main goal of our project is to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual difficulties living in specialized institutions on the territory of Vidin municipality through placing them in protected housing and providing them with supporting alternative social services in the community.

In order to achieve the above goal we have renovated a two-story house, which is owned by the organisation. We bought the necessary equipment and furniture. Four people were trained to work in the protected house and a selection process was organized for the first inhabitants of the protected house.The project team includes a manager with experience in the third sector and two young specialists – a psychologist and a social worker. Members of the organisation, parents and staff, people with intellectual difficulties and the clients of the protected house also took part in the preparation of the project.

Six men from the institution for people with intellectual difficulties in the village of Kudelin aged between 21 and 47 years are living in the protected house at the moment. They have spent their whole lives in institutions. Leaving the institution has brought an immense change in their lives. It has put an end to their isolation. The clients are facing new challenges, which they have to overcome. They have their own personal belongings and clothes; they have the chance to start work, to increase their income and to have some professional realization. They also have the possibility to learn more about their rights as citizens, to meet people, to travel and to feel part of the society. Their presence in the community changed the community itself. People have realized that their fear are unfounded and gradually change their attitude towards the problem and learn to value the people with intellectual difficulties for their abilities and personal qualities.

The association is also running an advocacy programme by and for people with intellectual difficulties. The programme is aimed at providing information on their basic human rights and responsibilities when they live an independent life in the community. In the group for advocacy the people with intellectual difficulties communicate with their peers with the same problems, they share and exchange experience and look together for possible solutions, they celebrate and enjoy life together.

Regional Association for Support of People with Intellectual Difficulties, Vidin

13 Stefan Karadzha str.
Vidin 3700
Теl. 094 / 644 719
lubka@vidin.net