People with disabilities in Sombor, Serbia, have long faced barriers to full participation in society. Whether in education, employment, healthcare, or everyday accessibility, these challenges often prevented them from living independently and engaging in decision-making.

Ahondroplazija Srbija – Little People of Serbia proved that small initiatives can lead to big change.

Disability Rights Advocacy in Serbia: A Collective Voice for Change

With the support of the EU and the Trag Foundation, Ahondroplazija Srbija—Little People of Serbia launched the project “A Path to Equality” with one clear goal: to ensure that people with disabilities are directly involved in decisions that affect their lives.

A major challenge for disability rights advocacy in Serbia has long been fragmentation—various disability groups often worked in isolation, weakening their collective influence. Determined to change this, Ahondroplazija Srbija—Little People of Serbia led an initiative to bring organisations together.

They successfully formed a coalition of eight organisations representing diverse disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and visual impairments. Together, they developed a unified advocacy strategy with a key demand: the establishment of the Council for the Advancement of Persons with Disabilities in Sombor—a formal body that would ensure people with disabilities have a seat at the table in local government.

“Nothing about us without us” is the core message that guided their advocacy. For too long, decisions about people with disabilities were made without them. Ahondroplazija Srbija – Little People of Serbia set out to change that, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs addressed.

Their persistence paid off. On October 21, 2024, Sombor officially established the Council for the Advancement of Persons with Disabilities. This was not just a victory for one organisation but a milestone for disability rights in the region.

Disability Advocacy Success: From Policy to Action

Milan Grahovac, Executive Director of Ahondroplazija Srbija—Little People of Serbia and a key advocate, highlighted the importance of direct participation: “We want to decide on our issues, not have decisions imposed on us by people who don’t understand our reality.”

The impact of this initiative is already visible in Sombor. In response to advocacy efforts, the Municipality removed major architectural barriers at the most critical locations in the city center, ensuring safer movement for people with disabilities, elderly citizens with limited mobility, and parents with strollers. High curbs were lowered, steep steps were replaced with ramps, and narrow walkways were widened to eliminate long-standing accessibility challenges.

Beyond infrastructure, the project sparked a broader societal shift. With increased media attention, disability rights gained visibility, fostering greater public awareness and understanding.

As Milan said, “For the first time, we are not just asking for change—we are part of creating it.”

A Step Forward, A Long Road Ahead

The establishment of the Council for the Advancement of Persons with Disabilities is proof that change is possible when people unite. But advocacy doesn’t stop here.

Ahondroplazija Srbija—Little People of Serbia and its partners remain committed to ensuring that policies turn into action—that accessibility and inclusion are not just promises but real, lasting transformations.

“Nothing About Us Without Us” is more than just a slogan—it’s a call to action. It stands as a guiding principle, ensuring that people with disabilities are no longer sidelined in decisions that affect their lives.

The fight for equality and inclusion continues. But now, they have a seat at the table—and they intend to use it.

To learn more about this initiative and its impact, watch the documentary here: “Пут ка равноправнОСтИ”