Published on
5.12.2024. u 09:59h
Student expirience of Paul Pravdić
In 1992, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution that December 3 of each year be the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The main goal of celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is to improve the quality of life. Basic human rights are defined by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and are threatened by various social, economic, physical, transport and educational barriers.
Education, as one of the fundamental human rights, represents one of the most important components of every person's life. Inclusive education is an approach to education that seeks to ensure equal opportunities for all people regardless of their different characteristics. Through upbringing and education, students with disabilities are trained to live and work as independently as possible, which contributes to social acceptance and breaking down prejudices. On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, student Paul Pravdić shared his experience of studying at the University College "CEPS-Center for Business Studies" Kiseljak and the position of people with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina below.
1.CEPS: Paul, could you please briefly introduce yourself?
Paul: My name is Paul Pravdić. I am 23 years old. I am a student at the University College "CEPS-Center for Business Studies" Kiseljak, studying Information Technology. Information technology has always been my passion. I have always loved working with computers, whether it be physical components or software. IT is a perfect opportunity for me as a person with a disability, because it offers me many opportunities without having to worry about transportation. There is an option to work from home, which is where I find myself.
2. CEPS: What do you think about the position of people with disabilities in Bosnian and Herzegovina's society today and are certain changes necessary?
Paul: I think that the position of people with disabilities in Bosnian society is still difficult. Although there are laws that should protect our rights, they are often not applied in practice. Many public spaces are not adapted for people with disabilities, and discrimination in the labor market is still present. I believe that the state should invest more in accessibility, education and employment programs for people with disabilities, as well as work on better implementation of laws that protect us. People need to be a little more considerate, listen a little more and educate themselves a little more about people with disabilities. Now people don't need to know absolutely everything about us and our difficulties, but at least they need to know some basic things. As an example, many people often park their vehicles on the sidewalk by mistake, not realizing that a person using a wheelchair cannot pass on the sidewalk and must either wait or get off the road. On the other hand, I also see some positive changes. More and more non-governmental organizations and individuals are fighting for our rights and raising awareness of the challenges we face.
3.CEPS: What is your experience of primary and secondary education?
Paul: Great, I was always lucky and had good colleagues, good friends who would make it easier for me in every possible way, whether it was getting me a sandwich and a juice or going somewhere, they were always there for me. Even when I had to be carried up the stairs, if there weren't enough students from my class, there would always be someone in the hallway to help.
4. CEPS: Why did you decide to enroll in CEPS?
Paul: The main reason for enrolling at CEPS was the proximity to home, because I am originally from Kiseljak. When I saw that the CEPS degree was accredited, that also contributed to my wish to enroll. I had no idea that when I enrolled, there would be so many changes, for the better of course. From the new opportunities I received as a CEPS student, to new acquaintances that greatly brightened my days. Considering that as a programmer I already have projects behind me, I think that in this IT major I could meet new colleagues/professors who could introduce me a little more to that world and show me some of my shortcomings as a programmer. At CEPS College there is the possibility of Erasmus + exchanges. I think that Erasmus + exchanges are an opportunity for all students, to get to know new cultures, languages, people and places. I would like to take the opportunity to go on an Erasmus exchange, if I can and if my condition allows me to go. Definitely an opportunity that no student should miss if they are able to go.
5. CEPS: How difficult are your daily activities as a student with a disability?
Paul: It's quite difficult when it comes to transportation, or getting to college. My condition is such that I don't have much strength in my arms, and I can't stand on my feet at all, so it's difficult to transfer to the car or even to a wheelchair. When the weather is warmer, my parents transfer me to a wheelchair and I can get to college by myself, but when it's colder, they have to put me in the car and when we get to the building, take me out of the car and push me into the building. The main problem that has always been for me so far has been transportation, there are many other things that make life difficult, but nothing is as terrible as transportation.
6. CEPS: What do you think, is CEPS an inclusive higher education institution?
Paul: I think CEPS is an inclusive higher education institution. I haven't been a student at CEPS for long, so I don't have much experience, but it's been great so far. From the good and experienced staff to the architecturally adapted entrances and parking. So far, everything is great, as I hope and believe it will stay.
7. CEPS: I'm curious about the relationship with colleagues at the "CEPS" College when it comes to mutual assistance?
Paul: So far, everyone has always offered to push me where I need to go, bring me things from the machine (water, juice, candy), call the elevator, hold the door for me. All my colleagues have always helped me with everything wherever I needed help. 😊.
8. CEPS: What are your plans for the future?
Paul: My dream is to have my own computer programming and repair company in the future. I would like to do everything related to technology, from programming to repairing. Of course, that's a plan for later in life, for now I would like to only do programming to become an experienced and learned programmer.
We thank our Paul for sharing his experience. We wish him happy student days at the University College "CEPS" , but also much success in his future professional development.
