The position of persons with disabilities in the social welfare system in the Republic of Croatia

Završni rad se temelji na prikazu i analizi podataka o položaju osoba s invaliditetom u sustavu socijalne skrbi u Republici Hrvatskoj. U radu se relevantni pojmovi definiraju i pojašnjavaju analizom dostupne literature o problematici položaja osoba s invaliditetom u sustavu socijalne skrbi u Republici Hrvatskoj. Osobe s invaliditetom čine 16% populacije Republike Hrvatske. Osobe s invaliditetom je potrebno osnažiti kako bi bile u mogućnosti preuzeti kontrolu nad vlastitim životima. Navedeno je moguće postići reguliranim sustavom socijalne skrbi kako bi se osobama s invaliditetom osigurala primjerena pomoć i omogućio sustav naknada i usluga zahvaljujući kojima bi im se omogućilo ravnopravno sudjelovanje u svim aspektima života, a poglavito u socijalnom aspektu. Potrebno je podići razinu svijesti društva o tome kako se osobe s invaliditetom treba promatrati kao ravnopravne osobe, a invalidnost kao dio ljudske raznolikosti. Trenutni položaj osoba s invaliditetom u sustavu socijalne skrbi u Republici Hrvatskoj je značajno napredovao tijekom godina i osobe s invaliditetom danas ostvaruju bolja socijalna prava i druge dobrobiti. Unatoč tomu, položaj osoba s invaliditetom u sustavu socijalne skrbi je i dalje suočen sa određenim nedostacima koje bi trebalo mijenjati. Potrebni su dodatni napori kako bi se uvažile sve njihove potrebe i kako bi im se omogućilo aktivno sudjelovanje u društvu. Unaprjeđenje položaja osoba s invaliditetom predstavlja sustavnu i trajnu obvezu države kako bi se poboljšao njihov položaj u sustavu socijalne skrbi. Značajan doprinos tomu bi se postigao inkluzivnim pristupom uz osiguranje povećanja potpora osobama s invaliditetom, obiteljima koje skrbe o njima i uspostavljanjem kvalitetne mreže usluga u zajednici.The final paper is based on the presentation and analysis of data on the position of persons with disabilities in the social welfare system in the Republic of Croatia. In the paper, relevant terms are defined and clarified by analysing the available literature on the issue of the position of persons with disabilities in the social welfare system in the Republic of Croatia. People with disabilities make up 16% of the population of the Republic of Croatia. People with disabilities need to be empowered so that they can take control of their own lives. The aforementioned can be achieved through a regulated system of social welfare in order to provide adequate assistance to persons with disabilities and provide a system of benefits and services that would enable them to participate equally in all aspects of life, especially in the social aspect. It is necessary to raise the level of society's awareness of how people with disabilities should be viewed as equals, and disability as part of human diversity. The current position of people with disabilities in the social welfare system in the Republic of Croatia has improved significantly over the years, and people with disabilities today enjoy better social rights and other benefits. Despite this, the position of persons with disabilities in the social welfare system is still faced with certain shortcomings that should be changed. Additional efforts are needed to meet all their needs and enable them to participate actively in society. Improving the position of persons with disabilities represents a systematic and permanent obligation of the state to improve their position in the social welfare system. A significant contribution to this would be achieved through an inclusive approach while ensuring an increase in support for persons with disabilities, families who care for them, and establishing a quality network of services in the community