IRI has worked with Albanian disability rights groups for several years on advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and creating the Platform for the Disabled, an action plan for improving social services and providing better access to the electoral process for these marginalized voters.  During IRI’s visit, Europe Resident Director Jan Surotchak consulted with staff from various disability rights groups on the implementation of their agendas and how the organizations might refine their advocacy, strategic planning and fundraising efforts. 

Following the consultations, ADRF and Surotchak engaged high-level officials on implementing the Platform for the Disabled, particularly on measures to help the disabled access the electoral process.  Meetings included visits with Prime Minister Sali Berisha, President Bamir Topi and Arben Ristani, head of the Central Election Commission.  All three committed themselves to ensuring the disabled have full access to polling stations during the June 2009 general elections.  Prime Minister Berisha specifically committed government support for a Tirana-based wheelchair-production facility in danger of losing its operational funding.

IRI’s partners are hopeful that the government will fulfill its commitment to facilitate the participation of disabled in the political process.  To do so, it will be necessary for the government to address obstacles such as wheelchair accessibility and mobile balloting.

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