Project Title: Supporting Persons with Disabilities during Covid-19 Crisis

Project Duration: 28 May, 2020 – 28 Jenuary, 2021

Donor: European Union

This project is part of EU’s efforts to assist Georgia in its response to COVID-19 pandemic. The project aims to respond to challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic and protect rights of the most vulnerable groups. The project works with people with disabilities living in Adjara, Guria, Imereti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Shida Kartli and offers individualised support and vital services they need during the pandemic.

Mobile Outreach Team (MOT) created within the frameworks of the project work are quick to respond to the requests of people with disabilities through the project hotline numbers, and provide support which ranges from individual support services to accessible transportation service, home visits and consultation of Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist, home visits and assistance in mobility, etc.

The project also develops an online disability information resource where persons with disabilities can access most important updates and practical advice regarding COVID-19 and disability. Various text and multimedia materials are prepared including on self-care, independent living practical tips, prevention of pressure sores, etc.

Goal: Enhance the health and safety rights of persons with disabilities in risk and emergency situations.

Target regions: Shida Kartli, Imereti, Samegrelo, Adjara, Guria

Project Objectives and Activities:

Specific objectives:

To provide individualised support to people with disabilities in Ajara, Guria, Imereti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Shida Kartli and provide access to disability-specific information to overcome barriers caused by COVID-19.

Activities:

- Create 5 Mobile Outreach Team (MOT) services in Adjara, Guria, Imereti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Shida Kartli regions.

- Deliver a range of individual support services to persons with disabilities in project regions as per their immediate needs.

- Prepare and compile text and multimedia information materials on COVID-19 and disability in Georgian language regarding self-care, independent living, prevention of pressure sores, etc.

- Set up online disability resource page, offering informational materials on disability and COVID-19 to users with disabilities, community members and other actors.