From the observations we conducted, it is evident that a significant problem in the Silesian Voivodeship is the restricted access of people with disabilities to active participation in public life. According to studies by the Supreme Audit Office, many local government units are not adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. Additionally, from our research, various deficiencies in the functioning of councils for people with disabilities have emerged. Despite operating for 20 years, there is still a lack of a diagnosis of their needs and support for their activities, especially in collaboration with local governments. In practice, the main activity of these councils is the annual assessment of the allocation of funds that counties receive from the State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities. Another significant and problematic issue is the lack of cooperation between the councils.
We responded to these problems by organizing workshops for members of councils for people with disabilities in the Silesian Voivodeship. While these councils had little influence on public policies, by strengthening the knowledge of their members, their potential was better utilized. Together, we developed a strategy and standards for the functioning of these councils and presented them during a forum, inviting representatives from all councils in the Silesian Voivodeship, as well as officials involved in cooperation with them. We piloted the developed solutions in five selected counties. Representatives of these councils shared their experiences and impressions in seminars organized for councils from Wrocław, Opole, and Katowice. This allowed more councils to learn about the results of our work and provided them with an opportunity to hear about new ideas for their development and activities, as well as to get to know each other.
According to the evaluation surveys, thanks to the workshops and seminars, participants increased their knowledge about good practices in the functioning of councils and had the chance to establish new contacts.
