Day of Persons with Disabilities: Two stories of perseverance and inclusion
In the Republic of Moldova, more than 160,000 people live with disabilities, each possessing a unique story of resilience. Unfortunately, many of them encounter challenges when trying to find employment. In observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we highlight the inspiring stories of Eugen Roșca and Stanislav Pivovarciuc. Despite facing various obstacles, both have secured jobs and are actively contributing to their community.
Eugen Roșca was born deaf and learned to work on a computer with the assistance of his grandfather. He previously worked at a factory and the post office, and since 2021, he has been a social issues specialist at the Republican Experimental Center for Prosthetics, Orthopedics, and Rehabilitation (CREPOR).
"The director asked me if I could learn to work. I replied that it depends on the work schedule, as I had worked at the post office before. When I first started here, it was challenging because I am deaf, and managing on a computer was almost impossible for me," said Eugen Roșca, with the help of a sign language interpreter.
Eugen communicates with his colleagues through messages.
"Through messages, we established a friendly relationship based on respect and trust. He prepares the beneficiaries' files, each containing their details and measurements. He is responsible for keeping track of these files," said Viorica Cheptene, Head of the Human Resources Department at CREPOR.
Stanislav Pivovarciuc was left with a locomotor disability following a surgical procedure. He graduated from the Faculty of Political Science at the State University but faced numerous challenges in finding a job in his field.
"At first, I encountered many difficulties. I was completely healthy until I was 17, and then my life suddenly changed. Society and people began to view me differently, which made it hard. In 2017, I reached out to the 'Motivation' Association, which focuses on the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce, and they provided me with the support I needed," shares Stanislav Pivovarciuc.
Since then, Stanislav has been working as a doorman at the Psycho-Socio-Pedagogical Center.
“When I arrived here, I was welcomed with open arms. I was accepted for who I am. My colleagues helped me through the most challenging moments,” the young man shared.
The authorities report that they are continuously implementing measures to improve conditions for people with disabilities.
“In the social sector, we are committed to continuing the process of deinstitutionalization for individuals with disabilities. We are also focused on creating and developing social services for this population. As part of the “Restart” reform, we have established mobile teams in each district that provide home care services for people with disabilities and their children. Additionally, we offer personal assistance services. Currently, we have seven thousand personal assistants providing care for seven thousand individuals with severe disabilities,” explains Vasile Cușca, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year on December 3. In the Republic of Moldova, more than 160,000 individuals are recognized as having a disability, which accounts for about 7% of the population. Since the start of this year, 230 people with disabilities have joined the workforce.
