Bridging the Gaps: Reforming Montenegro’s Disability Support System for Inclusive Living

The study reveals significant gaps in Montenegro’s support system for persons with disabilities, highlighting the need for sustainable services, professional staff, and a shift towards deinstitutionalization. It calls for systemic reforms to improve independent living and community inclusion for people with disabilities.

A study conducted by CEED Consulting and supported by the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD), UNICEF, and UNDP in Montenegro, explores the critical gaps in the care system for persons with disabilities. Despite Montenegro’s commitment to international conventions on disability rights, the study reveals a substantial discrepancy between legal frameworks and the real-life situation of people with disabilities. The findings show that while various laws and policies aim to promote independent living and inclusivity, services vital for community integration and personal development remain scarce, unsustainable, and often project-based. The lack of continuity in service provision is one of the most pressing concerns, with many services, including those for psychological counseling and personal assistance, being provided only for limited periods due to funding constraints. This instability creates significant emotional and physical challenges for individuals who rely on these services, disrupting their lives when essential support is abruptly withdrawn.

Shortage of Skilled Professionals Hampers Progress

A major issue identified in the study is the insufficient availability of professional staff to provide specialized services. This shortage is particularly critical in areas such as psychological counseling, where consistent support can play a transformative role in helping individuals manage their disabilities and foster greater independence. Organizations offering services to persons with disabilities reported being overwhelmed by increasing demand and long waiting lists, as they lack both the space and personnel to adequately meet the needs of their beneficiaries. Additionally, the licensing process for service providers is noted as being overly complicated, with stringent administrative requirements that many organizations find difficult to meet. As a result, several potentially vital services remain unlicensed and unavailable to those in need, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the disability community.

Employment Barriers and Discrimination Persist

Employment opportunities for persons with disabilities also pose a significant challenge, as employers in Montenegro are often unfamiliar with the capabilities and potential contributions of individuals with disabilities. Although some legal frameworks exist to support their employment, such as incentives for employers and regulations that ensure the rights of workers with disabilities, these laws are frequently not fully implemented or well understood. Many persons with disabilities who do manage to find employment are only able to do so for short periods, as employers may not be adequately equipped or motivated to provide long-term support. This insecurity in employment perpetuates financial and social dependence, limiting the opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live fully integrated lives within their communities.

Discrimination Based on Type of Disability

The study also highlights a pervasive level of discrimination based on the type of disability, particularly in service availability. For example, individuals with hearing or visual impairments often lack access to essential services like sign language interpretation or assistive technologies, making it difficult for them to navigate everyday life or access health services. Furthermore, the infrastructure in many parts of Montenegro remains largely inaccessible to persons with disabilities, making community participation an ongoing struggle. The absence of accessible transportation services, as well as the lack of inclusive public spaces, further isolates these individuals, preventing them from fully engaging in social, educational, and economic activities.

The Need for Deinstitutionalization and Community Support

One of the study’s critical recommendations is the need for a robust deinstitutionalization strategy, a process through which the government would transition away from institutional care for persons with disabilities and focus instead on developing community-based services. Deinstitutionalization is seen as a vital step toward ensuring that persons with disabilities can live independently, with the necessary support systems in place to foster their inclusion in society. However, the implementation of such a strategy in Montenegro is hindered by several factors, including the lack of a comprehensive strategic framework and insufficient funding for community services. The report emphasizes that deinstitutionalization must involve inter-sectoral cooperation, where various public services—such as healthcare, education, and employment—work together to provide holistic and continuous support to persons with disabilities.

Changing Perceptions and Policy for Long-Term Change

Another significant barrier to improving services is the societal perception of disability. Many people in Montenegro still hold prejudiced views that frame individuals with disabilities as incapable of living independently or contributing meaningfully to society. This stigma not only limits the opportunities available to persons with disabilities but also influences policy decisions, often leading to inadequate funding for inclusive services. As a result, many individuals are forced into institutional care as a last resort, despite the fact that community-based services would be more cost-effective and would better meet their needs.

The study underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in Montenegro’s approach to supporting persons with disabilities. Without sustainable funding and a strategic commitment to developing inclusive community services, the country risks failing to meet its obligations under international disability rights conventions. The report calls for a fundamental shift in how disability is understood and addressed, advocating for a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities are empowered to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life.