European Day of the Deafblind, opening of the renovated premises
and celebration of 18 years of Deaf
of the Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN
October marks the European Day of the Deafblind. It was initiated by the European Deafblind Union (EDbU), which has been working for many years for the recognition of deafblindness as a disability in its own right, for the independent functioning of organisations for deafblind people and for the full social inclusion of people with deafblindness in all European countries.
The European Day of Deafblind People aims to raise awareness about the needs and abilities of people with deafblindness and the need for a systemic regulation of deafblindness.
The Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN marked the European Day of Deafblindness today, 20 October 2023, with the opening of its renovated premises and the celebration of the 18th anniversary of the Association.
The programme was co-created by people with deafblindness with courageous speeches and creative performances. Young representatives of people with deafblindness expressed their desire to be heard and seen, to be included and to be an equal citizen with the opportunity to gain experience.
Dr. Simona Gerenčer, co-founder and Secretary of DLAN, reminded all the distinguished guests present of a time when people with deafblindness lived in the belief that they were the only people in the world with simultaneous hearing and vision impairments. She stressed the importance of the deafblind community and the strength of each individual. Thanking all the supporters of this community and the DLAN Association, she invited those present to continue to work together to find opportunities for all people with deafblindness in Slovenia.
Dr. Sanja Tarczay, President of the World Federation of the Deafblind, expressed her appreciation to the DLAN Association and offered her continued support in realizing the rights of people with deafblindness.
Tamás Gangl, Vice President of the European Federation of the Deafblind, pointed out in his speech that Slovenia can be proud of the achievements of DLAN. He also thanked the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Robert Golob, for his understanding of the problems of people with deafblindness. He wished for further good cooperation between DLAN and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, which is working to improve the quality of life of people with deafblindness and to obtain their rights as soon as possible.
The honorary patron of the event and ambassador of the rights of deafblind people, Ms Tina Gaber, spoke to the participants about how she came across the field of deafblindness. She stressed that she will work to ensure that appropriate legislation on deafblindness is adopted.
Dejan Crnek, Vice-Mayor of the Municipality of Ljubljana, emphasised his willingness to continue the successful cooperation with DLAN and stressed that it is always nice to return to the deafblind community.
Dr. Iztok Seljak, Director of Hidria Holding, President of the Managers’ Association, Honorary Consul of Hungary, in his speech stressed the importance of the implementation of the law that will adequately define all the rights that an individual with deafblindness has as a human being.
Dr Milan Brglez, Member of the European Parliament, in his address stressed the need for a systemic regulation of this area.
Borut Sever, Director of FIHO, mentioned that he would like to highlight the DLAN Association as an example of good practice. He expressed his continued support and cooperation.
Tanja Šubelj, a long-time supporter of the deafblind community, as a person with blindness, reminded of the need to understand deafblindness and disability in general and to respect each other’s differences.
Vlasta Nussdorfer, President of the Programme Council for the Third Age of Life, pointed out that the need to regulate deafblindness has been called for many years.
Colonel Miha Butara, Honorary President of the Slovenian Officers’ Association, emphasised peace and all continued support for the deafblind community.
DLAN is an autonomous and independent professional disability organisation with a representative status for people with deafblindness. It is a full member of the European Deafblind Union (EDbU), the World Federation of the Deafblind and the National Council of Disabled Organisations of Slovenia (NDiOS). It is the only organisation in Slovenia representing deafblindness in the international arena and is recognised by international organisations.
