What happens when the people most affected by public decisions are the ones least often heard? In Armenia’s Lori region, a new initiative is working to change that creating a space where persons with disabilities can share their experiences, participate in public discussions, and help shape the decisions that affect their lives.
As part of the Regional Support Mechanism for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the Metamorphosis Foundation conducted a monitoring and advocacy support visit to its partner organization, Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities NGO, in Vanadzor, Armenia.
During our visit, one message stood out clearly: persons with disabilities are not asking others to speak on their behalf they want the opportunity to speak for themselves.
For many people in the Lori region, participation in community life is still filled with barriers. Some have been unable to continue their education, others face difficulties finding employment, and many lack spaces where they feel accepted, supported, and connected with others. For those living in rural communities, these challenges can be even greater, creating distance from information, public discussions, and opportunities to influence decisions that affect their everyday lives.
But during our visit, what stood out was not only the challenges people face it was their determination to create opportunities for themselves and others. We met motivated and engaged individuals who came together not only to share their own experiences, but also to talk about what they can contribute to their community and how they can support other persons with disabilities.
As part of this spirit, the organization introduced us to EREO Style, an initiative where members use their skills and creativity to produce handmade products, including bags, mugs, and other items. Through this work, they are developing practical skills, creating opportunities for participation, and demonstrating the value and talent of persons with disabilities in their community.
Perhaps this is exactly why the project they are implementing is so important. It responds to a simple but powerful need: creating more spaces where persons with disabilities can be seen, heard, and actively involved in the conversations that shape their communities.
Through an accessible podcast platform, persons with disabilities will have the opportunity to share their own stories, discuss issues that matter to them, and engage in dialogue with local leaders, civil society activists, and experts. With sign language interpretation, subtitles, and other accessibility features, the platform aims to remove barriers and ensure that more people can take part.
But the initiative is about much more than producing videos. Through a regional forum and an online storytelling campaign, it creates opportunities for people to connect, exchange experiences, and become more engaged in civic life. It gives women, young people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups a space where their experiences are valued and their perspectives are included.
