On the occasion of the European Day of Deafblind People on 22 October, the Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN organised an event to thank all the supporters of the Deafblind community and the DLAN Association.
The European Day of Deafblind People has been celebrated since 2018 on the initiative of the EDbU (European Deafblind Union), which has been working for many years for the full social inclusion of people with deafblindness in all European countries. It is dedicated to making people with deafblindness heard in public and to making society especially aware of deafblindness, their needs and their abilities.
In their own genuine way, people with deafblindness expressed their sincere gratitude to all those present with the artistic performances they had prepared for this important day. They greeted everyone present and shared their stories and experiences of everyday life with deafblindness. They highlighted some of the specific difficulties and needs that people with deafblindness face and live with on a daily basis.
Vlasta Nussdorfer, President of the Programme Council of the Festival for the Third Age of Life and former Adviser to the President of the Republic, also addressed the audience and stressed the importance of regulating the legal rights of people with deafblindness. She said that every time she sees performances by deafblind people, she is moved all over again. She expressed the hope that the stories of people with deafblindness would also touch those who were left outside the hall.
The Vice-Mayor of the Municipality of Ljubljana, Boštjan Koritnik, in his address expressed his satisfaction that the Municipality of Ljubljana recognises and is working hard to improve the mobility of people with disabilities. The Municipality of Ljubljana has been a great supporter of DLAN since its establishment.
Matija Urankar, an expert in constitutional and administrative law, pointed out that the adoption of the Bill on the use of the language of the deafblind has been dragging on for four years and expressed the hope that this would happen as soon as possible.
Miha Butara, Honorary President of the Slovenian Officers’ Association and Tanja Šubelj, President of the Svetloba Association, also addressed the audience.
The Secretary of the DLAN Association, Dr Simona Gerenčer, in her speech pointed out that this day is an opportunity for people with deafblindness to say what they want to say and show what they want to show. With their courage, strength and immense will, they can overcome the stereotypes and prejudices that society holds for this community. With ongoing professional support, people with deafblindness in Slovenia are constantly proving that they are capable, successful, versatile and very talented.
