500 Tolarjev European Year of the Disabled

The disabled comprise a highly diverse group of people who are eligible for the same human rights as all other citizens. They encounter discrimination that at times is based on prejudices about them, but which more often leads to the fact of them being forgotten about or overlooked. This has the consequence of creating and increasing the obstacles in their surroundings and in attitudes, which in turn prevent the disabled from participating in society. Ten years ago the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Standard Rules on Equalization of Opportunities for Disabled Persons. These rules are based to a large extent on ideas developed by the disabled and their organisations, and place greater emphasis on human rights. Disabled persons must have equal rights and access to all public benefits, which means the possibility of full inclusion in education, access to new technologies, health and welfare programmes, sports and leisure activities and to services and products.
In the last ten years the European Community (EU) has taken a major step, from its protective approach to the disabled towards efforts to ensure the possibility of independent life for the disabled, and the possibility of them taking responsibility for their own decisions. On 3 December 2001, the international day of the disabled, the European Council declared 2003 the “European Year of People with Disabilities”. The Madrid declaration, adopted in March 2002, presents the vision of activities in 2003 in the European Union and associate members, on the national, regional and local levels. The fundamental principle of the declaration is the merging of two approaches: “non-discrimination + positive steps = social inclusion”. By creating a society without barriers and prejudices for all and through respect of difference, a world will be formed that will suit everyone: “What is done on behalf of the disabled today, will tomorrow be important for everyone”.
The Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted a decision declaring 2003 the year of the people with disabilities in Slovenia. By issuing commemorative coins, Slovenia has joined the group of countries that have decided to give even greater emphasis to familiarising the public with attitudes to the disabled and to spreading awareness about their rights, needs and abilities.
Accessed at: https://www.bsi.si/en/banknotes-and-coins/slovenian-tolar/commemorative-editions-republic-of-slovenia/european-year-of-people-with-disabilities-2003