A personal companion is available to a child with disabilities or developmental disabilities, who needs support to meet basic needs in everyday life in the field of motion, personal hygiene, feeding, dressing and communication with others, provided that a child is included in an educational institution, i.e. school, until the end of regular schooling, including the completion of high school.

The purpose of engaging a personal assistant is to provide the child with appropriate individual practical support for inclusion in regular schooling, and community activities, in order to establish the highest possible level of independence.

The activities of the child's personal assistant are planned and implemented in accordance with the individual needs of the child in the field of motion, maintaining personal hygiene, feeding, dressing and communication with others, which includes:

1) Assistance at home in dressing, maintaining personal hygiene (washing oneself, combing, oral hygiene), feeding (preparing and serving lighter meals, feeding or assistance in using utensils, etc.), preparation of books and equipment for kindergarten or school;

2) Community assistance, which includes:

(1) Assistance in the use of public transport (entry and exit from means of transport, purchase of tickets, etc.),

(2) Assistance in movement (orientation in space if the child is visually impaired, pushing a stroller or using other aids, etc.),

(3) Going to playgrounds or places for spending free time (support at playing, support and mediation in communication, etc.), including cultural or sports activities and other support services.

Preference for the right to personal escort service is given to children / students with I. and II. level of support; children from single-parent families who do not have other members of the family household who can take care of the child; families with multiple children with disabilities or developmental disabilities.

Implementation period:

• February 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 in the municipality of Raška
• September 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024 in the municipality of Gadžin Han
• March 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025 in the municipality of Bački Petrovac

Partners: Municipality of Raška, Municipality of Gadžin Han, Municipality of Bački Petrovac 

Project coordinator: Borka Vrekić> borka@ehons.org