Vilnius march to highlight choice for people with disabilities

A march in central Vilnius on Wednesday will highlight the right of people with intellectual or complex disabilities to make their own choices and participate fully in society, LRT reports.

The “March of Hope” is organised by Viltis, the Lithuanian Association for the Care of People with Intellectual Disabilities. Organisers say the event aims to draw public attention to the rights of people with intellectual or complex disabilities.

“The care system often limits a person’s independence, even though the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities obliges states to provide support that allows people to make their own decisions. It is important for us to discuss real alternatives that strengthen people’s abilities rather than take away their rights,” said Ramunė Lebedytė Undzėnienė, head of Viltis.

Participants will march from Vincas Kudirka Square along Gediminas Avenue to the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament. A conference titled “The right to choose: alternatives to guardianship and legal incapacity” will follow at the Seimas on Wednesday afternoon, with discussions on independent decision-making and alternative support models.