The project “Step forward – Justice for People with Disabilities” realize National Organization of Persons with disabilities of Serbia (NOOIS) in partnership with Association of Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Serbia (SGNS). The project is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as a part of wider project with the name Justice for all.

The project aims to address the better implementation of Article 13 Convention on the right of Persons with Disabilities – Access to justice, which was Serbia ratified in May 2009.

With this project NOOIS will contribute more effective access to justice for people with disabilities, especially deaf and blind persons through translating two selected guides into formats that people with sensory disabilities can use, as well as more effective access to justice for persons with fisical disabilities (including other categories) through developing a training program on sensitizing and communications in courts for judges and court staff to help them improve interactions with the different court user audiences they encounter.

The target groups of the project are judges and court employees. They are key stakeholders in the judicial sector and it is necessary to strengthen them as a service providers to guarantee the rule of law and empower citizens to know their rights and use the law.

During nine months, it will be realized the following activities:

• Translation two guides in video format: Guide to the probate proceedings and How to exercise the right to free legal aid – Practical guide for citizens into formats that people with sensory disabilities can use – into Serbian sign language, subtitles and audio-description for the blind
• Development the training program (curiculum) on sensitizing judges and court employees about PWDs and communications in courts
• Participation in the TOT program (training for trainers) on the topic of adequate communication with persons with different types of disabilities and easier access to justice
• Participation in three trainings in Serbia with judges and court employees

Cooperation and participation in meetings of the People-Centered Justice Council