We actively participated on December 16th in Zagreb at the expert conference on the topic of "Personal Assistance", organized by the Academy of Social Welfare in cooperation with Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family and Social Policy. The gathering took place in the wonderful ambience of Hotel International.Our Association was represented by President Nevenka Fuchs and Head of the Contracted Social Services Organizational Unit Mirjana Peršinović, who actively participated in the exchange of experiences, challenges and suggestions related to providing personal assistance services to people with intellectual disabilities.
The meeting was also addressed by the Director of the Academy of Social Welfare Marija Barilić, the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities Darijo Jurišić, the President of the Association of Social Workers of the Republic of Croatia Marica Mirić, and on behalf of the relevant ministry, State Secretary Marija Pletikosa, with comments on the provision of the service since the adoption of the Personal Assistance Act. A detailed overview of the current state of service provision was given by the Minister's advisor, Zvjezdana Bogdanović. 
Ivana Drobac Kern from the Croatian Employment Service spoke about the use of vouchers for the adult training program for personal assistants.
Ivana Drobac Kern from the Croatian Employment Service spoke about the use of vouchers for the adult training program for personal assistants.Through constructive discussion, specific challenges faced by users and their assistants were discussed and concrete proposals for improving this important social service were presented. Participation in such professional gatherings is extremely important because it gives a voice to associations that fight every day to improve the quality of life of their members.
Thank you to the organizers for the opportunity to participate, as well as for the effort put into organizing this important event!