Ewa Pawłowska is the president of both the Friends of Integration Association and the Integration Foundation. Speaking for Polish Radio, she emphasised that the gala was also an opportunity to summarise 30 years of these Polish non-profits' activity.
"For 30 years we have been bringing up the issue of accessibility. We strive to raise awareness and attentiveness of all of us, to the special needs of the people who are all around us, whom we meet every day. Such a sensitivity to other people, such a simple method, makes the world friendlier to all of us."
- Ewa Pawłowska said.
The Polish government's Plenipotentiary for the Disabled, Łukasz Krasoń, announced that the long-awaited government bill on personal assistance will be presented soon.
"I hope it's a matter of weeks now. The Ministry of Family has already developed appropriate design assumptions. I hope that soon we will be able to show this government project to the world - and that it will enter the parliamentary path, and then the implementation path. Because this is the most important thing - for the act to come into force, for it to reach those who have been waiting for it for so long."
- Łukasz Krasoń explained.
"In terms of the integration of people with disabilities in many areas, as a country we have nothing to be ashamed of anymore. Of course, there will always be something to improve in terms of architectural and digital accessibility, access to information, and so on. But, step by step, our reality as disabled people in Poland is really changing. Of course, we will not rest on our laurels here and as soon as we conclude the matter in question, we'll put more steam eg. into improving the professional activation of people with disabilities in Poland, as a lot remains to be done in this area."
- the Government Plenipotentiary for People with Disabilities added.
During the gala, the Friend of Integration Medals were awarded, as well as the Accessibility Laurel award. The events of the night also included a debate and artistic performances. Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lower House speaker Szymon Hołownia sent letters to the participants, which were read at the gala.
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Source: IAR, PAP