Young people with Down syndrome enter the job market in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The association Život sa Down sindromom Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking progress in the employment and social inclusion of people with Down syndrome in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sevdija Kujović, the president of the association, noted that the organization has moved from fighting for basic school acceptance to seeing young people with Down syndrome work in the open labor market. Kujović credited parents, families, and experts for these changes since the association's founding in 2006.

While she highlighted legislative improvements in Sarajevo Canton that recognize reasonable adjustments and professional support, she warned that the quality of support remains inconsistent across the country. Aida Redžepagić presented a photography exhibition titled "20 godina. Sasvim svakodnevno" to show the daily lives and personalities of people with Down syndrome. Redžepagić stated that children with Down syndrome seek the same rights to education and social life as any other child.

The exhibition aimed to shift the public perspective from viewing a diagnosis to seeing individuals with their own interests and emotions. Edna Šunjić, a member of the association's assembly, spoke about her role in making decisions that affect her own life. She stated that the association has provided a space over the last 20 years for people with Down syndrome to discover their capabilities and find their own voices.

Kujović concluded the event by calling for continued work to ensure that every person can live a dignified and independent life.