Last week, a ceremonial event was held at Kino Šiška to mark the conclusion of the Nationwide Campaign on Raising Awareness of the Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities, led by the National Council of Disability Organizations of Slovenia (NSIOS). The event combined art, personal stories, and community spirit, highlighting how diverse abilities enrich society. Among the guests were Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob and Minister Luka Mesec, who expressed their support for the project and the continued development of an inclusive society.
Our Role: Reliable Technology for an Inclusive Society
When NSIOS decided to enhance the project with a stronger digital presence, WPM took on the role of technical partner — managing the website and mobile applications for the European Disability Card and overseeing all online communication for the project.
The website, redesigned according to WCAG 2.2 standards, is now fully accessible to users with various disabilities. Our goal was to make the content available to everyone, with intuitive navigation, high color contrast, a text enlargement function, and screen reader support. To simplify the search for benefit providers, we developed an advanced search and provider addition function. During the project, 183 new providers were added to the website and mobile app.
This allowed NSIOS to easily manage, update, and expand content — ensuring the website continues to thrive even after the project concludes.
Mobile App That Connects
Alongside the website, we developed mobile applications for Android and iOS, providing access to information about benefit providers and events anytime, anywhere. Regular security updates and functional improvements were implemented to ensure reliable usage for all. The app has become an indispensable tool for disability card users and has significantly contributed to greater accessibility and inclusion.
A Project That Transcends Borders – From Slovenia to the UN
The project had remarkable reach. A central part of the campaign was the photographic exhibition “No Different Life” by photographer Primož Lavret, who portrayed 25 individuals with different disabilities. Their stories were displayed in public spaces, buses, posters, and shopping centers across Slovenia, accompanied by podcasts, media coverage, and an art competition that received 109 submissions.
The campaign achieved outstanding results: 142 publications in print and digital media, 68 ads, 10 podcasts, and 3 TV commercials. The project was also presented internationally — from Poland and Spain to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, showcasing Slovenia as a model for social inclusion.
Raising Awareness Through Creativity and Education
In addition to the digital and media campaign, NSIOS conducted 30 workshops “Disability – That’s Me” in kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools across Slovenia. People with disabilities personally shared their stories with young audiences, helping to break down prejudices and encourage empathy.
The project also included a Mini Acting School led by Lucija Ćirović and Boštjan Štorman, where participants created 17 promotional videos for the EU Disability Card. The first film premiered at the General Assembly of the European Disability Forum in May 2024 in Ljubljana, receiving widespread acclaim.
Technology That Enables Participation
A key part of the project was collaboration with the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (UIRS), which assessed over 100 providers for facility accessibility. This ensures accessibility data is effectively integrated into the system, improving the user experience and promoting the development of inclusive infrastructure in the long term.
Together with NSIOS and partners, we demonstrated that digital tools are not just technology but instruments of change. As mag. Mojca Vaupotič emphasized, “the success of the project is measured not only in numbers but in the changes in people’s hearts and minds.” We would add — also in the code that makes the web open for everyone.
Looking Ahead
For the WPM team, this project was much more than a technical task — it was a chance to use our expertise to contribute to a more inclusive society. We are proud to have participated in a project that not only transformed the digital presence of NSIOS but also demonstrated that a society without exclusion is a society of the future.
We believe that digital accessibility is not just a standard, but a mindset — creating a web that is truly for everyone. We look forward to continuing to develop solutions that connect people and break down barriers.
More about the projectThe project “Nationwide Campaign on Raising Awareness of the Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities” is co-financed by the European Union.
