On October 22, MP Zaruhy Batoyan participated in a conference dedicated to developing rights-based services for persons with disabilities. She shared the news via her Facebook page.
During a panel titled “Inclusive labor market and economic participation,” Batoyan addressed the link between education and the job market, along with employment programs and work opportunities for persons with disabilities.
She discussed her legislative initiative, based on European practices, which proposes introducing an employment quota for persons with disabilities. “Such an approach is used in 21 out of 27 EU member states,” Batoyan stated.
The discussion also addressed barriers faced by employers and potential solutions, with examples from “Viva Armenia.” A company representative noted that many persons with disabilities prefer to work under general conditions, without seeking preferential treatment.
Participants included Ines Bulic, Executive Director of the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL); Nadia Hadad, a board member of the European Disability Forum; and Frank Sioen, Regional Officer for European projects. The conference offered an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, exchange best practices, and develop proposals for building a more inclusive and equitable Armenia.
