SDP BiH Statute, Program and Electoral Program Adapted for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons

In an effort to bring the program and policies of the Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDP BiH) closer to blind and visually impaired citizens, members, and sympathizers, the social democrats have decided to create an audio version of the Statute and Program as key documents guiding the party's actions. An audio recording of the SDP BiH's approximate Electoral Program for the 2016 Elections has also been made, the SDP BiH announced, reports the Patria News Agency.

Blind and visually impaired citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as other persons with disabilities, are often neglected by the authorities. There is a lack of adequate systemic support in daily life, insufficient work is being done on infrastructure adapted for these individuals, nor are the administrative and other social barriers that persons with disabilities encounter daily being considered. Inclusion policies, from the education system to sustainable employment, too often remain mere empty words on paper. This country can and must serve its citizens with disabilities at all levels, from municipalities, cities, cantons, entities to the state, all within their respective jurisdictions and responsibilities. The social democrats have created an audio recording of the program, but we will not stop here; we are continuing our political struggle, and in this way, we are showing that we are ready to lead by example, in the effort to build a society for all of us.

We are obliged to publicly thank Amir Mujezin, a sympathizer who initiated the proposal to create an audio version of the party documents, the Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which immediately responded positively to our inquiry and provided its studio, and our volunteer who lent her voice and recorded these materials.

Representatives and activists of the SDP BiH, from municipal to state level, advocate for a just society, a society in which persons with disabilities will have equal chances and opportunities for success as all other citizens. In this way, we want to help our fellow citizens fulfill their right and be fully included in the democratic and political processes in the country. We hope that our example will encourage other parties to follow the SDP BiH and take similar steps themselves, for the benefit of our blind fellow citizens.

Audio versions of the Statute, Program, and Electoral Program can be found on the SDP BiH YouTube channel, and the link can also be found on the portal www.sdp.ba. Citizens can also contact the SDP BiH if they wish to have a copy of these materials mailed to them, which can be freely distributed further.