The USAID Independent Living Program in Georgia is partnering with local government and civil society to help persons with disabilities live more independently and be more active in Georgian society.
USAID/Georgia launched the USAID Independent Living Program in Georgia to help persons with disabilities participate more fully in Georgian society. The new program is implemented by the McLain Association for Children (MAC) and will strengthen sustainable public services and evidence-based advocacy. It will conclude in September 2022.
The USAID Independent Living Program in Georgia aims to help Georgian society build on the progress it has already made protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Key activities involve working with local government in six Georgian municipalities to build capacity, deliver improved public services, and promote independent living as a development objective for supporting persons with disabilities. The program also aims to mainstream this model of support for independent living for use in other municipalities around Georgia.
“We are proud to partner with the McLain Association for Children, a civil society organization with links in communities across the country. We will also deepen our relationships with our local government partners, helping them create an environment where persons with disabilities can live independently,” said USAID/Georgia Mission Director Peter Wiebler. “This reflects USAID’s focus on three important issues, partnering with civil society, strengthening local institutions, public and private, and empowering all of Georgia’s citizens to participate in the country’s development.”
The USAID Independent Living Program is a strong example of USAID’s approach to assistance, empowering Georgian society to plan, finance, and implement its own solutions to development challenges. The program involves collaboration between USAID, the Government of Georgia, and civil society to jointly identify objectives, plan initiatives, and mobilize resources. This peer-to-peer approach leads to more successful outcomes and ensures that Georgian society has ownership over its own development initiatives.