Prof. Dr. Emira Švraka, head of the Mental Health Symposium held as part of the international conference "BHAAAS Days," has dedicated her long-standing professional and social engagement to advancing the rights, visibility, and quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Her commitment to inclusion has, in this instance, been translated into art. The children’s play "The Twins" ("Blizanci")—written by Prof. Dr. Švraka and directed by Damir Kustura—brings together individuals both with and without developmental disabilities. It is a fairy tale that, through the act of collaborative creation and meeting on the theatrical stage, explores the power of diversity, mutual understanding, acceptance, and togetherness.
The project demonstrates that art can connect people, break down prejudices, and create a space where everyone has the opportunity to showcase their talent and potential. At the same time, it conveys an important message regarding equal opportunities and the significance of the equitable participation of individuals with cerebral palsy in the cultural and social life of the community.
"It is a fairy tale. While writing other stories, I felt a desire to write a fairy tale as well. I envisioned a cast consisting of elementary and high school students—some with disabilities, others without. I imagined them spending time together. This vision was brilliantly brought to life by Damir Kustura, a man of profound empathy," said Prof. Švraka, the author of the script. In October, the Federation of Associations of Persons with Cerebral Palsy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CPA FBiH) organized a public stage reading of the dramatic text for children "The Twins" at the "Safet Zajko" Culture and Education Center in Sarajevo. That project was financed by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.
On November 30, a guest performance of the children's play "The Twins" is planned in Zenica. The host, together with the Association, will be the Association DLAN from Zenica, a member of that association.
On the World Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), the play will be performed in Goražde, hosted by a member of the Association from that city. With this event, the Association of Associations of Persons with Cerebral Palsy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will complete the celebration of 15 years of work.
The video is available on social networks, and the author, prof. Švraka hopes that he will succeed in getting this fairy tale published, because the Association is also known for its publishing activities.
- This is significant because there is a lack of literature dealing with the needs of people with disabilities. We donate our publications to kindergartens, schools, colleges, and associations. A large number of publications are on the website of the Association, and can be downloaded free of charge. We believe that by doing so we make a great contribution to educational inclusion - he emphasizes. He adds that the director of the play 'The Twins', Damir Kustura, intends to propose that dramatic text for children for a radio drama, so they are satisfied that the fairy tale will live on through other media.
Professor Emira Švraka has been the director of the Association of Associations of Persons with Cerebral Palsy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina since its inception, which this year marks 15 years of work, activity and continuous advocacy for the rights, visibility and improvement of the position of persons with cerebral palsy and their families.
He is a doctor by profession, specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, master's degree in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychology, doctor of medical sciences. Her professional story is closely related to her life story, and concerns her work and friendship with families of people with developmental disabilities, primarily cerebral palsy and other motor, psychological and social disabilities.
The Federation of Associations of Persons with Cerebral Palsy FBiH works on inclusion, rehabilitation, education and support for persons with cerebral palsy and their families. They advocate for social inclusion and a better quality of life for the families of children and adults with this type of disability.
October is especially significant for people with cerebral palsy, their families, associations and everyone who contributes to the creation of a more accessible and inclusive society. The sixth of October is marked as the International Day of Cerebral Palsy with the aim of raising awareness about cerebral palsy, the rights, needs and possibilities of people with this form of disability and the importance of their equal inclusion in all segments of social life. For the Association of Associations of Persons with Cerebral Palsy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, October 17 - the Day of Persons with Cerebral Palsy in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina - has a special significance. This is also the date of the founding of the Alliance, in 2011, which brings together associations from the entire Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fena/federalna.ba
English
Bosanski
