| Abstract [eng] |
Problems and relevance of the study. European Union policies pay great attention to the recognition and enforcement of equality and equal opportunities between different groups of persons (Equal Opportunities and EU non-discrimination law, 2007). The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was ratified in Lithuania as early as 2010, but many still do not know about this commitment and do not even go into the rights of people with disabilities. Lithuania has committed and assumed responsibility for the implementation of the Provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the laws and practice of its countries by introducing the principles of equality and non-discrimination, access to public resources, equality before the law, self-living and community inclusion. The restored State of Lithuania was preconditioned for democratism, a variety of interests began, and many social organizations, societies that were interested in representing interests (Beneševičiūtė, 2015) were created. Citizenship, which strengthens social relations between society, is particularly relevant in the activities of NGO organisations, for people who do not comply with the adopted societal provisions. (Stasiukynas, 2014). Importantly, in Lithuania, the representation of the interests of persons with disabilities is determined by the law governing the protection of persons with disabilities (Beneševičiūtė, 2015), which promotes the unity, protection and protection of the equal exercise of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities, and promotes respect and dignity for these persons (UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2010). NGO’s focus on society and the quality of social groups, which enable individuals to engage in activities, solve their own problems and participate in social activities (Šilinskytė, 2015). Ruškus, Mažeikienė, Naujanienė, Motiečienė, Dvarionas (2013) claim that representing human rights when he can no longer do it himself is one of the most important features that enables the role. Representation wants to change the human environment, living conditions that have a bad impact on people with disabilities. Representing the interests of persons with disabilities, Beneševičiūtė (2013) notes the need to understand the social problems that have arisen, to prevent the painful consequences, and therefore social work is needed, which includes marginalised groups. In order to solve social problems, involve people in public activities, the interest of persons with disabilities requires continuous communication and cooperation with other organisations (Šilinskytė, 2013). Therefore, NGO’s also become a significant organization in the social network of persons with disabilities, because their activities are characterized by diversity (Radzevičienė, Juodraitis, Beneševičiūtė, 2013). NGO’s act as representative organisations because their main purpose is to unite people with disabilities with common interests guaranteeing a sense of fullness (Kvieskienė, Čiužas, Vaicekauskienė, Šalaševičiūtė, 2015). Noreikienė and Žilinskas (2017) argue that the representation of interests forms positive attitudes of persons with disabilities, promoting active participation and the desire to make the most important decisions for themselves. NGOs play an important role in the lives of people with disabilities in relation to the usefulness of social work, which not only responds to the needs of a disabled person, but also protects human rights (Steen, Mann, Restivo, Mazany, Chapple, 2017). Venclovienė (2015) points out that in cases where a person is faced with an unpleasant life situation and no longer knows how to deal with this problem or is not able to do so himself, the social worker becomes a provider of services to help maintain social relations. According to Rimkus and Kreivinienė (2017), the employee's activities are based on the pursuit of equal opportunities, citizenship, autonomy and the strengthening of a sense of responsibility, which is determined by social, economic and cultural factors. According to Juodkaitė (2015), there is no one acceptable way of assistance, so communication and cooperation between service providers and the customer are highlighted, as it depends on how the follow-up process will take place. Representation of the interests of persons with disabilities is widely explored on the topic in Lithuania. According to scientific studies, they analyse the role of NGO’s and their prospects for their activities: Kėrytė (2010), Beneševičiūtė (2013), Šilinskytė (2013), Kėrytė (2014). About the participation of disabled persons in the activities of NGOs, the reasons for their involvement are analysed: Radzevičienė, Juodraitis, Beneševičiūtė (2013), Alčiauskaitė, Šinkariova (2012), Raudeniūlaitė, Šavareikaitė (2014). The experience of empowerment, the social services provided was examined by Ruškus, Mažeikienė, Naujanienė, Motiečienė, Dvarionas (2013), Adomaitienė, Balčiūnienė (2017). The needs of persons with disabilities, representation of their interests through practical peculiarities were analysed by Beneševičiūtė (2015). As there is a noticeable lack of scientific literature and empirical research, the following problematic research questions are raised when examining the expression of leadership competence in the context of the social worker's activities with persons with disabilities: 1. How do social worker represents persons with disabilities in the activities of non-governmental organisations in order to reduce their social exclusion? 2. How is social inclusion enhancing the social inclusion of people with disabilities in the context of the activities of non-governmental organisations? 3. How is the aim of non-governmental organisations in their activities to enable people with disabilities to participate in community and public life? Subject of the investigation: Activities of non-governmental organisations to reduce social exclusion of persons with disabilities. Purpose of the study: Analyse the activities of non-governmental organisations in the context of reducing social exclusion of persons with disabilities. Tasks: 1. The analysis of scientific sources shall reveal aspects of the participation of persons with disabilities in society and social exclusion, the representation and empowerment of the interests of persons with disabilities and the activities of non-governmental organisations in terms of the provision of social services for persons with disabilities. 2. Uncover the activities of non-governmental organisations working in the context in order to reduce the social exclusion of persons with disabilities. 3. To disclose the activities of non-governmental organisations working in the context with a view to representing the interests of persons with disabilities. 4. To disclose the activities of non-governmental organisations working in the context in order to enable persons with disabilities to 5. On the basis of the results of the empirical study, develop practical guidance for social workers from non-governmental organisations in order to reduce the social exclusion of persons with disabilities. Methods of analysis: Qualitative research methods were chosen and used in the study: analysis of scientific sources, structured interviews and qualitative analysis of content. Participants in the study: 7 social workers from non-governmental organisations working with persons with disabilities. |
