Bariere în autoreprezentarea persoanelor cu dizabilități din Republica Moldova

Abstract

The article explores key obstacles faced by people with disabilities from the Republic of Moldova when engaging in self-advocacy, including discriminatory policies, stigma, accessibility issues, resource limitations, lack of support networks, power imbalances, and personal factors. Self-advocacy is pivotal for persons with disabilities, enabling them to express their needs, preferences, and rights, fostering individual empowerment and reshaping societal norms and policies. However, persistent systemic, attitudinal, and environmental barriers impede effective self-advocacy. The article also presents practical solutions to enhance self-advocacy within the Moldovan disability community, including inclusive policies, awareness raising, support networks, and self-advocacy education. By examining the barriers and proposing solutions to self-advocacy for people with disabilities, this article contributes to a growing body of knowledge that seeks to advance the rights and well-being of this marginalized population. It underscores the importance of recognizing the agency and voice of individuals with disabilities and advocates for a future where self-advocacy is not just a possibility but an inherent right for all. Furthermore, this article introduces an innovative dimension by scientifically substantiating the barriers and solutions specific to self-advocacy for people with disabilities. This unexplored area in Moldovan specialized literature draws on extensive research, including literature reviews, in-depth interviews with civil society representatives, and group discussions involving individuals with disabilities.