Open the Windows

Total budget: 2,998,600 MKD

Implementation period: 01.01.2026 – 31.12.2026 (12 months)

Specific topic: Digital inclusion and good governance

Partners:

Association for Advancement of Youth Activism ZETA

Constituents:

Young people; persons with disabilities; citizens with limited access to digital services; civil society organisations; local and central institutions; public servants; educational institutions; media.

About the project supported by Civica Mobilitas: Advocacy for Digital Inclusion

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED SPECIFIC TOPIC

The action includes analysis of the state of digital accessibility of public services, fieldwork and consultations with users, as well as organisation of workshops and public discussions with relevant institutions. The project includes the development of recommendations for improving digital inclusion, their public promotion, and advocacy activities aimed at influencing decision-makers.

OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS

Overall objective:
To contribute to the advancement of human rights and equality of persons with disabilities through advocacy for digital inclusion, and development of the capacities of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) for independent living in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Specific objectives:

• Determining the state of digital accessibility and assistive technology (AT) in education for persons with disabilities, as a basis for advocacy and alignment with the CRPD
• Strengthening the capacities of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) for digital advocacy and use of assistive technology
• Strengthening public support for digital inclusion and independent living through promotion of digital advocacy as a human right and active engagement of public stakeholders

RESULTS

• R.1 Conducted national research on the use of digital tools and assistive technology in education, with recommendations for relevant stakeholders for their application as support for learning, inclusion, and increased independence of students
• R.2 Strengthened capacities of organisations of persons with disabilities for advocacy on digital inclusion and use of assistive technology, with support for independent living and improvement of legislation
• R.3 Increased awareness of digital inclusion and independent living as a human right, and active engagement of media, institutions, and the public in improving digital accessibility

ACTIVITIES

Design and development of research methodology

• Conducting the research
• Analysis of data from comprehensive research in 367 primary schools and 109 secondary schools
• Organisation and implementation of 16 validation meetings with schools, OPDs, and representatives of local self-government with a total of 320 participants
• Analysis and preparation of a comprehensive report and Policy Document
• Organisation and implementation of 6 (six) workshops with organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and persons with disabilities on the CRPD and AT
• Organisation and implementation of 8 (eight) meetings with IPPG
• Kick-off conference for project promotion
• Organisation of 2 debates on digital inclusion and independent living
• Final conference for presentation of results

WEBSITE

https://openthewindows.org/en/homepage