Legal vs. factual social protection status of persons with intellectual disabilities in the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

The analysis in this paper concerns national Macedonian legistation with regards to the social protection of persons with intellectual disabilities. The paper is based on the assumption that the quality of the legal acts which regulate the rights of the people with intellectual disability have direct implications for the achievement of factual equality of these persons with other citizens. Nevertheless, it is an undisputable fact that the exercising of these rights largely depends on whether the regulations are being implemented consistently in practice and what kind of a factual effect they have over the quality of life of the persons with intellectual disabilities. Having a purpose to offer a realistic view of the factual situation, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups with target groups consisting of parents of children with intellectual disabilities as well as professionals who work directly with them. The whole picture regarding the factual situation was completed with the analysis of the data received from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. Primary goal of the research was to note the disadvantages in current legislation and practice in the social protection field, as well as to determine specific directions and recommendations for improvement of the social status of persons with intellectual disabilities and their approach to information and services in this sector.