Government allocates 300 million BGN to support employment for people with disabilities

In Bulgaria, on December 3rd, 2024, the interim social minister Ivaylo Ivanov announced that over 300 million BGN from their state budget and the European Social Fund will be allocated to assist in the employment of people with disabilities. This funding will cover various aspects such as job preparation, upskilling, reskilling, mentoring, transportation, financial measures, and support for salaries and insurances for newly hired individuals. The aim is to facilitate their integration into the labor market, which aligns with the observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities established by the UN in 1992 to raise awareness about issues faced by individuals with disabilities. The announcement highlights the commitment of the Bulgarian Ministry of Labor and Social Policy to ensure that individuals with disabilities are viewed as a valuable resource in the labor market rather than a burden. It emphasizes the need for investment in their development, adapting workplaces, and improving skills to enhance productivity amidst a demographic crisis and talent shortage in the country. Moreover, Ivanov noted that a National Map of Social Services has been adopted, which aims to increase access to supportive social services that will also focus on facilitating socialization and integration for this group. The broader goal is to provide opportunities not only for individuals with disabilities but also for their family members who currently provide care and wish to reintegrate into society. As Ivanov pointed out, by investing in people with disabilities, there is an opportunity to initiate innovations that can positively contribute to the competitiveness of businesses while addressing the social needs of these individuals.