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Twinning Fiche: MLSPP Disability

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviations Transcript (signification)

BC Beneficiary Country

CIS Commonwealth of Independent States

CSP Country Strategy Paper

DPO Disabled Peoples' Organisations

DPRC Disabled People Rehabilitation Centres

DSPPDP Department of Social Protection Policy for Disabled People

EC European Commission

EUD European Union Delegation

ENP European Neighbourhood Policy

ENPI ENP Instrument

EUROSTAT European Statistical Office

GDP Gross Domestic Product

HRD Human Resources Development

IPA Former EU Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (for the Western Balkan

countries)

ISPA EU Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-Accession

ITTSO Implementation of Twinning, TAIEX, SIGMA operations

MoH Ministry of Health

MoF Ministry of Finance

MLSPP Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population

MR Mandatory Result

MS Member State

MSDC Medical - Social Expert Commissions

NAP National Action Plan

NGO Non-Governmental Organisation

PAO Twinning Program Administration Office

PCA Partnership and Cooperation Agreements

PSC Project Steering Committee

PWD People with disabilities

RTA Resident Twinning Adviser

SIGMA EU Instrument -Support for Improvement in Governance and Management

STE Short-term Expert

TACIS Former EU Instrument for Technical Assistance for Commonwealth of

Independent States

TAIEX EU Instrument -Technical Assistance and Information Exchange

TWG Twinning project

UNCRPD United Nations' Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities

UNICEF United Nations' Children's Fund

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1. Basic Information

1.1 Programme: ENPI National Annual Action Programme 2010 for the Republic of Azerbaijan

1.2 Twinning Number: AZ/13/ENP/SO/25

1.3 Title: Support to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of

Azerbaijan for the Development of a System for Medico-Social Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities.

1.4 Sector: Social Protection

1.5 Beneficiary country: Republic of Azerbaijan

2. Objectives

2.1 Overall Objective

Improved social inclusion and quality of care of people with disabilities in Azerbaijan.

2.2 Project purpose

To assist the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population in the development of policies and

rehabilitation system for people with disabilities based on European Best Practice.

2.3 Contribution to National Development Plan / Cooperation Agreement / Association Agreement /

Action Plan

Azerbaijan and the EU established for the first time contractual relations through a Partnership and

Cooperation Agreement in 1999. On the basis of this bilateral treaty a legal framework for political and

economic relationships and collaboration was provided. Moreover, the execution of social reforms and social

protection reforms are explicitly expressed in the related articles No 44.2 and No 62.3. Next steps to further

approximation to the EU will be the Association Agreement, on which negotiations have been continuing

since 2010.

The EU - Azerbaijan European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan1 (ENP AP) was approved in November

2006 for a period of five years. Its implementation will support the provisions committed in the Partnership

and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). On the ENP AP basis specific priorities will be set up. Priority area 6

pays specific attention to “…the reform of the social security system, notably to improve targeting and

effectiveness of social protection measures and social assistance”.

In this context the focus should be established according to paragraph 4.4: “…particularly on the most

vulnerable groups of the population like large households, children in institutions, disabled people”.

Furthermore the ENP AP gives specific attention the capacity building subject in the administrative reform

process by:

- Reforming State Administration and civil service with a view to ensure their modernization, accountability

and transparency;

- Promoting general and specific awareness-raising measures and training on European standards, institutions

and practices among Azerbaijani officials.

1 www.ec.europa.eu/world/enp/documents_en.htm#2

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The key feature in financing the ENP is the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument, which was

launched in 2007. Since 2009 it also covers the country Azerbaijan, which belongs to ENP East according to

the geographical classification. The Twinning instrument is one of the bilateral programmes, which

particularly aims to the strengthening of administrative public institutions by capacity building measures and

technical support to meet EU norms and standards. The Country Strategy Paper2 (CSP) 2007-2013 contains

EU programmes and instruments according to the structure of the mutual Action Plan EU Azerbaijan for

assisting in priority areas like social reforms and poverty reduction for adaptation to EU standards. EC

assistance over the period covered by this strategy aims to support Azerbaijan’s ambitious reform agenda.

More specifically in the field of economic and social reform, poverty reduction and sustainable development

assistance will be provided with the aim of consolidating social reform and response to infectious and other

health threats, fighting against corruption and encouraging approximation with EU social standards, thus

contributing to poverty reduction and improving the situation of legal employment in Azerbaijan.

One of the specific objectives of the ENPI National Indicative Programme for Azerbaijan 2007-2010 is to

address the poverty problem in the country via assistance in successful implementation of the State

Programme for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development; to sector-specific regulatory reform and

institution building in line with the priorities in the Action Plan and detailed sectoral strategies, as well as

enhanced administrative capacities in ministries or state structures for the relevant sectors to ensure national

ownership and effective enforcement.

In order to assist Azerbaijan to implement provisions of the ENP AP for the development of a system for

medico-social rehabilitation and social inclusion for people with disabilities, a Twinning project between the

Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and equivalent body in

one (or several) of the EU Member States has been initiated. It will support Azerbaijan in assisting the social

inclusion of people with disabilities by improvement of its strategic alignment, legislation, programme

procedures, monitoring and evaluation system and communication strategy, with enhanced labour market

inclusion. The public administrative institutions will be enabled by capacity building measures to develop

new strategies and approaches for PWD, taking into consideration European practice.

3. Description

3.1 Background and justification

The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has committed itself to developing a new strategy intended to

improve the quality of care of people with disabilities and promote their social inclusion and has committed

itself to the reforms necessary to achieve these improvements. The Republic of Azerbaijan is a signatory of

the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, and both

have been ratified by Parliament. However, Azerbaijan lags far behind many other Commonwealth of

Independent States (CIS) countries with regard to the situation of people with disabilities. According to

government statistics, there are about 420,000 people with special needs in Azerbaijan in 2011 making up

4.6% of total population. Furthermore as of 2011, 59,207 children were registered as disabled. These figures

appear low in comparison with other countries, which tend to be in the region of approximately 6%.

Moreover the figures refer to the higher end of the disability spectrum and do not include those with minor to

moderate forms of impairment, which would be in the region of a further 10% to 15% of the population.

Efforts to improve the quality and reliability of statistical information relating to disability will be undertaken

in a separate twinning proposal, indicated in the section on Linked Activities below. For the twinning

proposal described in this fiche, the target group covers the entire range of people with disabilities, including

children, adults in the age range for employment, and older people.

A major problem for people with disabilities in Azerbaijan is their exclusion from the mainstream of the

society, including the labour market. Azerbaijan still relies heavily on state-provided medical and

institutional models of care. In addition, with few exceptions, children with disabilities in the country have

2 www.ec.europa.eu/world/enp/pdf/country/enpi_csp_azerbaijan_en.pdf

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no legal right to education. The educational sector has no academic curriculum and no pedagogy in Inclusive

or Special Education. The current system of medical-social expertise used to decide who is eligible for

benefits is affected by many inconsistencies or outdated practices, some of which stem from the former

Soviet medical model. There are, however, large gaps in provision, particularly in those rural districts

outside Baku. Parents of children with disabilities in such districts are especially disadvantaged and are

struggling to cope with caring for their children at home. This situation is clearly unsatisfactory and major

changes are needed, in order to develop a system that embraces social models and which is much more

multidisciplinary, holistic and person-centred than the current system. These efforts need to be broadened

and strengthened across the system, and capacity building and further development and support of

professional education of staff is required.

To bring about the necessary improvements, Azerbaijan has already initiated reforms in the field of social

policy and social protection of people with disabilities and the Beneficiary has expressed commitment to an

agreed agenda for the further reforms necessary for their social rehabilitation and social inclusion. These

reforms imply the implementation of legislative and policy changes, including the modernisation of the

system and approximation with EU standards and practices. They further imply that there take place a

reconfiguration and redeployment of existing services such as the rehabilitation centres, and retraining of

their staff, combined with the development of innovative services and supports in line with new social

models and welfare pluralism, where non-statutory actors such as NGOs, disability associations, DPOs, and

service users and family carers become partners working alongside the statutory authorities.

To promote the realization of this vision for further reform, active collaboration and partnership with

different stakeholders in the development of strategies and legislation should be encouraged and should form

a part of any EU Twinning Project in this field. There is a growing awareness of the need for the social

inclusion for PWD, community-based social services and collaboration with other public institutions and

NGOs. However there is a lack of knowledge about how best to address these issues. Moreover, the public

administration still lacks the institutional capacities at all levels to press ahead with the changes required for

bringing in the new models and new approaches for supporting PWD in the community. Such institutional

strengthening is now a necessity for any EU twinning project in this field.

A more detailed description of the background and justification can be found in Annex 5.

3.2 Linked activities

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MLSPP) has been

the recipient of technical and financial support from international donors and there are a small number of

linked activities that should be taken into account.

The present Twinning project will run in parallel with two complementary projects.

The first is the World Bank-funded Social Protection Development Project (SPDP), “Component II: MLSPP

capacity building and social safety net development: Technical Assistance for Development of official

disability standards and guidelines for the Republic of Azerbaijan”. The purpose of the component is the

revision of rules to determine the degree of disability, to improve work of Medical-Social Expertise

Commission of MLSPP and to improve medical rehabilitation of the disabled. It will assist the Government

in developing of the conceptual design and programmatic implementation plan to restructure the Disability

Certification system for granting disability status. Within the project, new standards and guidelines that are in

line with internationally recognized standards concerning disability assessment will be developed; new

evaluation criteria of disability will be defined.

The second is an EU-funded Twinning project with the State Statistical Committee (SSC) that is intended to

run in parallel to the present one. Among other objectives, this project with the SSC has the aim of expanding

the scope of the Statistics on Disabled and Invalids.

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There are four other linked activities, which have taken place to date and these are described below.

Some specific activities related to disability issues were addressed in the EU Twinning project “Enhancing

effectiveness and efficiency of social protection policy through improvement the analytical and forecasting

capacities of the MLSPP of the Republic of Azerbaijan” (September 2010 – February 2012): 1) the social

benefits system covering the disability in Azerbaijan was analysed and relevant projections were presented;

2) current policies for people with disabilities in Azerbaijan were assessed and some elements of European

policies in this field presented, 3) a thematic conference on this issue was held in Baku in July 2011:

"Disability and society: European experience and new challenges for Azerbaijan."

In the EU TAIEX project “Study visit on French experience in disability attribution and social rehabilitation

of peoples with special needs” (16-22 January 2012) three officials from DSPPDP visited various French

institutes dealing with disability issues and learned about good French experience in disability attribution and

social rehabilitation of people with special needs.

The overall objective of the EU-granted project “Early Intervention and Social Inclusion in society of

children with special needs” implemented by Stitching Global Initiative On Psychiatry: An International

Foundation for The Promotion Of Human Ethical And Effective Mental Health Care (2010 – 2012) was to

improve the quality of life of children with special needs (CWSN) by establishing a pilot Early Intervention

Training Methodology Centre, creating a rehabilitation system for CWSN, and establish a Parent

Organisation.

In the Social Services Initiative (SSI) project “On improvement of medical-social rehabilitation system of

people with disabilities” (1st March – 31st December 2012) the following objectives are relevant for the

MLSPP: 1) to evaluate the activities of two pilot disabled peoples rehabilitation centres; 2) to conduct the

training courses for the staff of two pilot centres in social rehabilitation field; 3) to carry out the public

awareness campaigns on social rehabilitation.

3.3 Results

The Mandatory Results (MRs), as outlined below, are based upon discussions with the Beneficiary

Institution and they reflect a desire for harmonisation with EU policy on disability. These results have to be

achieved by means of robust cooperation and coordination between the BC and MS counterparts. Ownership

by the Azerbaijani partners will be important and must be ensured throughout the twinning process.

The MRs to be achieved by this Twinning Project are structured according to five components as follows:

MR 1 A Strategy Paper and Master Plan for the development of the system of medico-social rehabilitation of

people with disabilities and Communication Strategy about disability-related issues are developed and

approved.

MR 2 A legal framework for the development of a system of medico-social rehabilitation of people with

disabilities in Azerbaijan is reviewed and recommendations are developed.

MR 3 The mechanisms and procedures required for the development and implementation of Individual

Support Plans and Programmes for people with disabilities are developed and in place.

MR 4 Professional competence and capability of DSPPDP, DPRC and MSDC for the development and

implementation of policy for people with disabilities strengthened.

MR 5 Current system for reporting, monitoring and evaluation of the medico-social rehabilitation of people

with disabilities are reviewed and recommendations made.

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3.4 Components and Activities

The components and activities related to the implementation of the MRs are described below. The activities

suggested below are of an indicative nature and will be fine-tuned or adapted during the contracting period in

the work plan. It should be emphasised that the project team will have scope for the definition of modes of

implementation.

Component 0 – Project Visibility

Project visibility is an important feature of this twinning. A project website and publicity materials should be

developed. Throughout the project visibility and communication with stakeholders including the public

should be emphasised. The results of the work should be publicly presented and available on the MLSPP

website. The Project will start with a kick-off workshop and finish with a closing event in the following way:

0.1 Kick-off Workshop

It is suggested that during the first month of the project implementation a ‘ceremonial’ event known as Kick-

off meeting would take place involving not only the key MS and Department officials, but also EUD and

eventually other EC officials, representatives of the PAO, representatives of international organisations, and

other stakeholders within Azerbaijan, including relevant government departments. Representatives of the

media would also be invited. The purpose of this meeting will be to raise general and public awareness of the

twinning project within Azerbaijan.

The first month of the project will be used for the installation of the Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA)

in Azerbaijan. The RTA will have to be installed in his/her office provided by the MLSPP. S/he will be

introduced to the BC stakeholders of the project and to his counterparts and staff. The Project Leader has to

participate in this event.

0.2 Visibility event

This kind of event is an opportunity to publicise the achievements of the project and propose ways forward

but it can more appropriately be an opportunity to raise awareness, facilitate enforcement and implementation

of legislation or measures adopted by the project so far or tackle an important issue that is relatively new. The

following stakeholders may be invited: representatives of other ministries, civil society, NGOs, private firms,

trade unions, professional associations, the tripartite council, international organisations, EU MS

representatives in the country, international speakers. The presence of the media is a must. A publicity leaflet

and press releases should be prepared. An example of a visibility event is presentation of pilot project results.

0.3 Closure Event

A Closure or Wrap Up Event, involving the stakeholders, will be organised in order to generate publicity,

heighten visibility and encourage ownership of project results by stakeholders and the public.

During the last two months of the project, a closing event should be organised at which the results of the

project will be presented. The state of play in the areas of the project’s interventions will be discussed with

the beneficiary, the Republic of Azerbaijan Government, civil society and other actors. This event could have

the format of a symposium, where the MS partner reports on results achieved and recommendations for

future assistance, if appropriate. The final event can also be organised as a visibility event on a specific theme

of interest. The event should be concluded with some recommendations for possible follow-up and lessons

learnt for similar projects.

It is furthermore suggested that the closure of the project follows a similar pattern as for the Kick-off

meeting. During the closure event, which could have the format of a symposium, MS partner should report

on results achieved and on recommendations for future assistance if appropriate.

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Component 1 - A Strategy Paper and Master Plan for the development of the system of medico-social

rehabilitation of people with disabilities and Communication Strategy about disability-related issues

The aims of this component are: 1) to develop an inter-Ministerial strategic approach for the development of

a system for medical-social rehabilitation of people with disabilities in Azerbaijan, including prevention

policies and accessibility strategies to enhance labour market presence for people with disabilities; 2) to

assist the MLSPP in the preparation of a master plan to guide the implementation of the Disability Strategy;

3) to develop a clear and coherent communication strategy for the development of a system for medico-

social rehabilitation of people with disabilities in Azerbaijan, 4) to assist the MLSPP in the preparation of

visibility strategy to guide the implementation of the Disability Strategy.

An essential component for the transformation of services is the existence of a clear and coherent strategy

with clearly defined objectives. In the first component, the focus is on the development of mid-term and /or

long-term strategies for the implementation of disability-related issues. An implementation roadmap and

timescale should be provided that includes the identification of roles for different stakeholders and

institutions and related costs as well. It is anticipated that the roadmap will be further adapted by MLSPP

and other relevant agencies and will serve as the basis for legislative and policy development. An inclusive,

multi-stakeholder approach will help promote ownership and ensure that a broader and more social model

will inform developments.

The indicative activities under this component include:

Activity 1.1 Analysis of the current situation regarding services for people with disabilities in Azerbaijan and

preparation of a Strategy Paper and Master Plan for the development of the system of medico-social

rehabilitation of people with disabilities. As a first task for this first component, a situational analysis of the

present position regarding services for PWD their social inclusion could be undertaken. This could include a

strategic overview of the current position and gaps in service provision as well provide indications of how

services and social inclusion could be developed in the future.

Activity 1.2 Establishing a process for benchmarking and conduct a benchmarking exercise for a suitable

system in Azerbaijan, in relation to EU standards and other relevant international standards. Such an activity

would benefit from clear links with the work undertaken for Component 2 on a suitable legal framework for

disability issues within the beneficiary country.

Activity 1.3 Organisation of a study visit to an EU Member State to collect information. The visit is

intended to allow participants to study examples of good practice in relation to EU standards and to exchange

experiences and knowledge. The expectation is that any study tour should form a valuable learning

experience for participants, with a coherent agenda and programme of visits prepared in consultation with

the MLSPP. An intensive follow up of the study visit by involvement of the BC participants is requested.

Activity 1.4. Conduct an assessment of the current situation of communication regarding disability issues

and a definition of a strategy to communicate new approaches. This could include the preparation of

informational guidelines on the new model and approaches.

Activity 1.5. Assist in preparing a Public Awareness and Communication Strategy focusing on medico-social

care of people with disabilities in Azerbaijan. This could embrace the development of web site and web-

pages dedicated to medico-social services and social inclusion of people with disability in Azerbaijan.

Component 2 – Review of legal framework for the introduction of a system of medico-social rehabilitation of

people with disabilities in Azerbaijan and recommendations

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The aims of this component are: 1) to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the legislative environment of

disability in Azerbaijan, 2) and assisting the MLSPP in the preparation of proposals for amending current

legislation and regulations taking into account EU-related policy and experience.

The current legal framework in Azerbaijan for people with disabilities is a patchy one and represents an

uneasy mix of Soviet and post-Soviet legislation3 There are inconsistencies, areas of overlap and omissions

in the existing framework, and legal responsibilities, remit, and status of institutions remain to be clearly

defined. There are currently 6 main items of legislation dealing with disability, one of which relates to the

employment of PWD. Furthermore there are other decrees and orders more broadly related to social policy

and social protection issues, which remain to be aligned. The objective of this component is to develop

recommendations for a coherent and harmonized legal basis for disability-related issues in Azerbaijan. The

recommendations of the European Parliament and Council regarding disability should be taken into

consideration.

A comprehensive review needs to be carried out of the existing Azerbaijani disability-related legislation,

including relevant secondary legislation and its compliance with EU policy on disability. Based on this

assessment, the MLSPP should be capable of preparing proposals for amending existing legislation and

regulations reflecting the current needs and challenges, e.g. implementation.

Taking into account the length of the process for the adoption of new legislation, particular attention should

be paid to the structuring of the legal framework related to the division of regulations between primary

legislation (adopted by the Parliament) and secondary legislation (adopted by the Government). In particular,

the need for codes of practice and guidance for the interpretation and enactment of the new legislation will

have to be addressed.

Activity 2.1. Conducting a comparative study of the existing provisions of the Republic of Azerbaijan Social

Legislation and EU requirements and identification of any discrepancies or shortfalls in legal statutes or

instruments required. Further, the review could identify those legislative acts and amendments necessary or

desirable for the Republic of Azerbaijan Social Legislation to conform with EU legislation and guidance.

Upon completion of the review, there could be prepared a report containing a comparative table on the

conformity with the EU policy framework.

Activity 2.2 Those procedures and statues necessary or desirable for the Republic of Azerbaijan Social

Legislation to enforce conformity with the proposed legislative framework and to facilitate regulation of the

sector could be recommended.

Activity 2.3. Organisation of a learning network with selected EU Member States to share experience and

best practices regarding the development of a legal system based on EU principles and recommendations and

familiarisation with EU laws and statues affecting people with disabilities.

Component 3 – Development of mechanisms and procedures required for the development and

implementation of Individual Support Plans and Programmes for people with disabilities

The aims of this component are: 1) to develop a multidisciplinary and multi-agency approach for the

development and implementation of Individual Support Plans and Programmes and social inclusion of

people with disabilities in Azerbaijan, 2) to assist the MLSPP in the preparation of procedures to guide the

implementation of the Disability Strategy.

In this third component, the processes and procedures necessary for designing and implementing the support

plans and programmes for people with disabilities living in their local communities could be developed. This

could involve the evolution of social rehabilitation and the development of individual services and packages

of care that will help sustain and support the socially inclusive lifestyle of the person affected by disability.

3 see Annex 2 for a list of Azerbaijani legislation related to disability

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An inclusive approach that focuses on the needs and aspirations of the individual will be essential. Therefore

new approaches such as Person-Centred Planning and service user involvement in designing his or her own

support plan will require to be developed.

Close working relationships with the State Employment Service, the Rehabilitation Centres, NGOs,

disability associations, employers' associations, Disabled Peoples' Organizations, parents' groups and

community organisations are anticipated. It is further expected that the views and opinions of service users,

parents, and other family carers will be taken into account in undertaking the work for this component.


Activity 3.1. Establish the necessary processes and procedures, including service component specifications

and guidance for staff and for service users, for the development of individual support plans and programmes

for people with disabilities. These could include those processes and procedures required to facilitate the

acquisition of life skills, educational skills and occupational skills, as well as the supported entry to labour

markets in Azerbaijan.

Activity 3.2. Development and implementation of a Pilot Project on implementing new models and

approaches required for the development of individual support plans and programmes. This would include

the analysis of the results of the pilot project and the modification of approaches and operational guidance

for the development of individual support plans and programmes.

Activity 3.3. Organisation of internship (on-the-job training) for the staff of the Beneficiary to a selected EU

Member State. It is anticipated that rehabilitation centre staff will be involved. The expectation is that the

internship should form a valuable learning experience for participants, with a coherent agenda and

programme prepared in consultation with the MLSPP. The interns should achieve their learning objectives

by following their peers in their day-to-day tasks. It requires a very proactive involvement of the intern.

Activity 3.4 Organisation of study tour to a selected EU Member State. The suggested content would consist

of familiarization of how relevant systems and procedures work in this country. It is anticipated that

beneficiary staff be involved in the study tour. An intensive follow up of the study visit by involvement of the

BC participants is requested.

Component 4 – Strengthening of professional competence and capability of DSPPDP, DPRC and MSDC for

the development and implementation of policy for people with disabilities.

The aims of this component are: 1) to develop a multi-level, multidisciplinary and multi-agency approach for

the training of staff in preparation for the development of appropriate services and social inclusion of people

with disabilities in Azerbaijan, 2) to assist the MLSPP in the preparation of a training strategy to guide the

implementation of the Disability Strategy. This should be designed to enhance the professional competence

and capability of staff and should relate to their day-to-day work, and should involve the range of training

approaches and methods, including interactive methods.

Strengthening the competences and capabilities of staff in DSPPDP, DPRC and MSEC through professional

education and through training is another vital component of the Twinning Project. It is essential that staff in

these institutions are equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills for the development of social models

of rehabilitation and personalised forms of service provision and social inclusion for people with disabilities

in their local communities. Both adults and children with disabilities should form the focus of attention and

those staff currently working with these groups in the rehabilitation centres should also be involved. Again,

an inclusive, participatory, multidisciplinary and multi-agency approach should form an essential feature of

the professional competence enhancement component and its associated activities, along with the inclusion

of Disabled People's Organisations. It is expected that, in line with the multidisciplinary nature, professions

such as social workers, psychologists and health workers should be represented.

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It is also hoped that the design of any training activities will allow for the involvement of participants

engaged in related projects and initiatives affecting PWD in Azerbaijan, in order to facilitate joint learning

and cross-fertilization across the related projects, where this is possible.

It is planned to involve those experts who are providing input to the other components in the training

sessions. Additional trainers should only be hired if the respective expert availability is not given; moreover

trainers from DPOs should ideally be involved. For preparation of the training strategy and evaluation

documents it is recommended to have one coordinator of the training measures. This component has a strong

link to all other components and, in case of additional demand, the training should be adapted.


Activity 4.1. Conduct a Training Needs Analysis and on the basis of the findings, develop a training strategy.

This could also include the preparation of a training plan for the next few years according to the needs of

MLSPP in order to develop robust social models for the care of, and social inclusion of, people with

disabilities in Azerbaijan, as well as the definition of training methodology. The analysis should be done in

line with the subjects in the components and there should be involved staff from MLSPP and from national

and regional levels, as well as representatives from PWD organizations.

Activity 4.2. Creation of training materials for training courses based on the implications of the subjects in

the other components. It is expected that there also take place the preparation and drafting of a Training

Manual, which should include a range of training methods.

Activity 4.3. Conduct of training for a minimum of 15 trainers and follow-up evaluation of this training.

There should be involved in the training all experts, which are collaborating with the beneficiary in context

of the project especially the SP, legal and strategy experts. The expectation is that a training of trainers model

will be adopted for the training of staff of DPRC, MSEC etc. in order to enhance sustainability and longer

lasting results of any training. This component will be clearly thematically linked to the other components.

If during the project implementation there is a need to involve other agencies and institutions, there should

be scope to include their staff as participants.

Component 5 – Review of current system for reporting, monitoring and evaluation of medico-social

rehabilitation and social inclusion of people with disabilities and recommendations

The aims of this component are: 1) to review existing system for reporting, monitoring and evaluation to

govern the development of medico-social rehabilitation services and social inclusion of people with

disabilities in Azerbaijan, 2) to assist the MLSPP by making recommendation for the preparation of reporting

procedures to guide the implementation of the Disability Strategy and demonstrate its effects and impacts.

Currently procedures for reporting and monitoring of services for PWD are uneven in their coverage and

effectiveness. These need to be redesigned and reoriented to make them suitable for the proposed new

system of services for PWD in Azerbaijan. In addition, a process and procedure for the evaluation of the

effectiveness of this system requires to be designed and developed. In this fifth component these issues

could be reviewed and recommendations for improvements put forward. This should be regarded as an

important step for a monitoring system, which will be developed and implemented at a later stage.


Activity 5.1 The current reporting, monitoring and evaluation system is reviewed and a system of reporting,

monitoring and evaluation of medico-social rehabilitation and social inclusion of people with disabilities is

developed. This could include review of current system and development of corresponding recommendations

on suitable indicators and mechanisms for monitoring. The DPOs should be involved in this process. New

evaluation and monitoring methods for social inclusion of PWD could be proposed, with reporting

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obligations defined and procedures recommended to facilitate this.

Activity 5.2. The information system for the registration of people with disabilities is improved and a

glossary of terms prepared, consonant with the Glossary prepared by the Strategy Working Group. This

could include the review of the software programme for the registration of PWD used by the MLSPP, along

with the requirements to meet new standards of proposed medico-social rehabilitation and social inclusion

system of people with disabilities are defined. Recommendations for updating the current software

programme could also be proposed.

Activity 5.3 Organisation of one internship (on-the-job training) for the staff of the Beneficiary to a selected

EU Member State. The expectation is that the internship should form a valuable learning experience for

participants, with a coherent agenda and programme prepared in consultation with the MLSPP. It is

anticipated that there will be learning concerning how monitoring and evaluation processes work in the MS,

along with IT systems, in respect of the effective development of future services in the Beneficiary country.

The interns should achieve their learning objectives by following their peers in their day-to-day tasks. It

requires a very proactive involvement of the intern.

3.5 Means input from MS partner administration

3.5.1 Profile and tasks of the Project Leader

The Project Leader (PL) supported by the Junior PL (in case of a consortium) will direct, co-ordinate, and

control the overall thrust of the project. He/she will guide the RTA in ensuring the achievement of the

mandatory results and the implementation of the activities.

The Project Leader is expected to work a minimum of three days per month for the project from his home

administration. In addition, he/she should join, from the Member State side, the Project Steering Committee,

which will meet in Azerbaijan every three months.

Profile:

Qualification and skills

- Relevant university degree

- Excellent fluency in English language

- Good inter-personal skills.

General professional experience

- High ranking civil servant from the MS administration

- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in the Social sector or in the field of disability;

- Experienced manager, good record in organizational leadership, staff motivation and

communication.

Specific professional experience

- Knowledge and experience in international settings or similar type projects would be an

advantage

3.5.2 Profile and tasks of the RTA

The RTA, under the guidance of the PL, will lead the work of the team and work on a daily basis with the

RTA counterpart to implement the project, to support and co-ordinate the actions in the BC.

He is expected to ensure the achievement of the mandatory results and linked activities. He/she may also

propose alternative and/or complementary project activities and/or outputs to those identified above where

necessary. Also he has to give an active contribution in the preparation of documentation necessary for all

13

activities, and also to intermediate and final reports. He has to organize the selection of the Project Assistant

(s).

The following profile is provided to give an indication of the types of skills, qualifications and expertise that

is expected for the post.

It is planned that the RTA will provide 24 months' input on site and will be based in the premises of the

MLSPP.

Qualifications

- Relevant university degree

- Excellent fluency in English, command of Russian and /or Azeri language would be a strong asset

- Computer literacy with significant knowledge of Microsoft Office Package like Word, Excel and

Power Point

- Good interpersonal skills/capability to work in an international team

- Demonstrable analytical skills

General experience

- At least 5 years' experience in Public Administration / Social sector;

- Experience in policy formulation and implementation

- Experienced in Human Resources management;

- Project Cycle Management, reporting, presentation and communication skills;

- Sound knowledge of the best practice in international settings.

Specific experience

- Specific experience in the field of social-medical rehabilitation subjects

- Specific experience in the field of labour market policy would be an asset

3.5.3 Profile and tasks of the short-term experts

The short-term experts shall assist the RTA in implementation of the expected project activities. They should

have work experience and skills related to the project activities and will actively collaborate with the RTA

and counterparts from the DSPPDP. Their tasks will consist in providing support by conducting technical

expertise by analyses, training and the elaboration of guidelines. The experts must be capable to provide the

expected outputs mentioned below in a sufficient quality. It is planned to work by training for trainer method

in order to pass training subjects to regional experts in DPRCs and MSECs.

Qualifications and skills of STEs:

Preferred University Degree / or equivalent experience relevant to the assignment;

Excellent English language skills, both spoken and written. Command of Russian/Azeri language

would be an asset;

PC Computer literacy;

Good interpersonal skills;

Excellent team-working skills;

Strong analytical skills.

General professional experience:

Civil servant or equivalent seconded to work by EU MS Administration;

Solid knowledge on EU policy in Social Inclusion;

A minimum of five years’ experience in the field related to the exact activities of the assignment;

Good consultancy and training skills would be an asset.

4. Institutional Framework

14

Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan

On the basis of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of December 10th 1992 and

February 16th 2011, the MLSPP was established and endowed with the power of implementing state policy

regarding social inclusion and labour market integration of disadvantaged target groups.

The MLSPP order No 7/7-10 of February 8

th 2011 ensured the workability of its Department of Social

Protection Policy of Disabled People (DSPPDP) by description of their managerial and administrative tasks.

The key task of the DSPPDP is to formulate and implement state policy regarding the social inclusion of

PWD. The department has to provide technical-scientific, methodological and informational assistance to

coordinate and control the activities in the regions of 39 medical-social expert commissions (MSEC) and 14

centres for disabled people rehabilitation (DPRC).

Currently the department has two divisions:

- medical-social expertise and rehabilitation issues for PWD

- public policy for PWD

The department is responsible for over 970 persons, including those working in the MSEC (190) staff and the

DPRC (771 staff). It also works closely with representatives of NGOs.

Other institutions, which are of relevance for the project, are:

- State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs

- Ministry of Health

- Ministry of Education

- State Social Protection Fund

- Ombudsman.

In the Twinning Project (TWG) the MLSPP will act as the final beneficiary and dispatch the RTA counterpart

and PL. In order to trigger the synergies and raise comprehensive effects they should closely collaborate with

other inter-ministerial departments particularly the Employment policy and labour market regulation

department. The Ministry of Health is also dealing with medical rehabilitation issues, therefore, and in order

to take a more comprehensive approach, it is recommended to collaborate with this ministry as well.

It is expected that the TWG outputs shall lead to improved handling in MLSSP and institution which are

dealing with this subject on matters related to a new approach for social inclusion with links to the labour

market for PWD. This shall be done by establishing and improving the legal, strategical, statistical and

program basis and by training the staff on national and regional level. The MLSSP should take a leading role

in all the TWG working groups and TWG Steering Committee (SC), and should also deliver regulatory,

technical and other necessary documents to support the fulfilment of the project objectives.

15

Structure of Institutions of the Medico-Social rehabilitation system in Azerbaijan, 2012

Steering Committee

A TWG Steering Committee will assess and approve the project progress with regard to the contract related

work plan including mandatory results and related activities, and will approve intermediate and final reports.

Steering Committee meetings will take place in a three monthly interval, where the RTA should also report

on the state of affairs and on any problems arising, and discuss any recommendations.

Representatives from the PAO of the Republic of Azerbaijan and EU Delegation, the RTA counterpart and

BC PL as well as the RTA and MS PL, BC component leaders will take part at the PSC meetings. Observers

from other institutions who may be involved from time to time in cross cutting issues e.g. Representatives

from other administrations (State Statistical Committee, Ministry of Health and State Employment Service,

etc.) or short term experts may also be invited if necessary.

The secretarial support of the PSC will be provided by the RTA and RTA Assistant who will prepare the

agenda of meetings, documents to be discussed as well as minutes of meetings. The working language of the

Project implementation will be English. Translation and interpretation will be provided where necessary and

where permitted by the provisions of the Twinning Manual. The Project Leader from MLSPP and MS will

co-chair the Steering Committee meetings.

5. Budget

The total amount of the budget is 1,100 000 €.

6. Implementation arrangements

6.1 Implementation Agency

The Implementing Agency responsible for tendering, contracting and accounting is the Delegation of the

European Union to Azerbaijan and its representative.

Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Azerbaijan

90A Nizami Street, Landmark III, 11th Floor,

Baku, AZ 1010, Azerbaijan.

Tel. +994 12 497 20 63 ext. 812

Fax: +994 12 497 20 69

16

PAO will support the twinning project implementation process.

Mr. Sahil Babayev, Director of PAO

Head of Department

Programme Administration Office

Ministry of Economic Development

40 U. Hajibeyov St., Government House, 4th entrance,

6th floor, Room 601, Baku, AZ 1016, Azerbaijan

Office Tel/fax: (+994 12) 493 88 67 (ext. 2315 & 2305) / +994 12 598 078

E-mail: [email protected]

6.2. Main counterparts BC

The beneficiary of the project is the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic

of Azerbaijan (MLSPP). Persons in charge at MLSPP are:

BC Project Leader:

Mr. Vugar Hasanov

Head of Social Protection Policy Department of Disabled Peoples

85 S. Askerova str.

AZ 1009 Baku

Tel. + 994 12 5964961

Fax + 994 12 5964961


BC RTA Counterpart:

Mr. Huseyn Tagirov

Seconded from the Republican Medical-Social Expertise Centre

District/6/1410

AZ 1009 Baku

Tel. (+994 55) 418 88 18

Fax (+994 12) 569 07 47


6.3. Contracts

This project will be implemented through one Twinning Contract.

A new Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Union entered into force on 1st

January 20134. This implies several changes to the Twinning contract templates. An updated version of the

Twinning Manual and of its Annexes, incorporating these changes, is in preparation and shall be published

soon on EuropeAid website5. The Twinning contract that shall be signed as a result of the present procedure

shall follow the templates of the updated Twinning Manual and Annexes.

7. Implementation Schedule (indicative)

7.1 Launching of the call for proposals: March 2013

4 Financial Regulation: Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012

on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:298:0001:0096:EN:PDF

Rules of Application: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012 of 29 October 2012 on the rules of application of

Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financial rules applicable to the

general budget of the Union. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:362:FULL:EN:PDF 5 http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/neighbourhood/overview/twinning_en.htm

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:298:0001:0096:EN:PDF

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:362:FULL:EN:PDF#page=3

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/neighbourhood/overview/twinning_en.htm

17

7.2 Start of project activities: January 2014

7.3 Project completion (Date): January 2016

7.4 Duration of the implementation period: 24 month (+ 3 months for the start-up and closure of the project)

8. Sustainability

The assistance required under this Twinning project is intended to expose the Azerbaijani administration and

more specifically the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population via its Social Protection

Policy Department of Disabled Peoples, to EU disability policy, via the provision of the EU best experience

in the development and implementation of social inclusion and community-based forms of service provision

for people with disabilities, and the development of new quality standards and benchmarks.

The above objective will be achieved by the development of a Disability Strategy, a Roadmap and

Guidelines, under the present project, based on the EU experience and methodologies to be used as

supporting material for the training of the Ministry's staff.

The development of a specific approach of the Twinning project will be a joint responsibility of the MS

partner and the BC, which will be laid down in the Twinning contract.

The dissemination of project results and obtained knowledge will be integrated into all levels of the project.

Effective mechanisms will be put in place by the BC to disseminate and consolidate the results of the project

in order to ensure sustainability of the project and long lasting results after the completion date.

9. Cross-cutting issues

Equal opportunities

The issue of equal opportunities is of central importance for this project. The focus of the latter is on

enhancing equal opportunities for people with disabilities. This needs to be interpreted in its broadest sense:

opportunities for the inclusion of people with disabilities in Azerbaijan will need to be created and sustained,

while those with disabilities will require support in order to ensure that they can take advantage of any

opportunities that do arise. This will include opportunities for inclusion in education, the labour market,

housing, cultural activities, leisure and recreation and so on. The development of equal opportunities

policies and mechanisms for monitoring their implementation will be required.

The dimension of gender equality and the creation and sustaining of equal opportunities for girls and women

affected by disability is an issue that deserves particular attention in a country like Azerbaijan, which has a

more traditional, male dominated society than many European Union member states.

The observance of equal opportunities will be included in the Twinning contract as a joint responsibility of

the MS partner and the BC.

Environmental sustainability

The issue of environmental sustainability is a sensitive but highly topical one for Azerbaijan, in view of the

role and impact of the growing exploitation of natural resources, upon which its present economic model

predominantly rests. Any activities undertaken within the framework of this project will need to ensure that

environmentally friendly approaches are adopted.

HIV/AIDS etc.

18

People with disabilities need to be treated in exactly the same way as any other member of the general

population. They are, in other words, as liable to be infected by blood-borne virus infections, and other

diseases, as anyone else within society. They are therefore entitled to benefit and be included in health

promotion and health care treatment programmes, along with the general population. It is worth noting,

however, that special, additional measures may be required to ensure health protection among people with

disabilities, due to their particular circumstances.

10. Conditionality and sequencing

The following contributions are expected from the beneficiary institution, the MLSPP, and they must

regarded as important preconditions of the successful implementation of the twinning project:

Provision of high level political and professional support by the MLSPP hierarchy to the TWG project;

Strong involvement/commitment of the MLSPP, in particular its DSPPDDP staff, the stakeholder

institutions’ staff and social partners at all levels;

Assignment of the necessary experts to activities connected with the project;

Ensuring the BC assignment of an operational PSC monitoring all components of the Twinning project,

in line with the time schedule of implementation and according to the benchmarks agreed;

Ensuring coordination between institutions connected with the project;

Ensuring access to all the necessary information and documents in accordance with legislation in force

and guidance issued;

In terms of sequencing, it is expected that some concurrent running of components will take place within the

twinning project, in order to ensure completion of activities before the end of the 24 month project timeline.

Close cooperation, collaboration and coordination will be essential among those responsible for the activities

under the different components, to help ensure cross-component synergies.

Component 1 forms the logical starting point for this project and it will be important for the project that the

lead working group for Component 1, the Strategy Development Working Group, is established and

commences its work before the other component working groups get under way. The Strategy Development

Working Group forms the main coordinating body not only for Component 1 but also for Components 2

through to 6. The other working groups will receive their remit from, and report to, the Strategy

Development Working Group.

Similarly, it should be expected that any benchmarking activities denoted under Component 1 will ideally

take place prior to the main activities of Component 5 relating to information, monitoring and evaluation.

Robust standards and agreed benchmarks are the sine qua non of effective monitoring and evaluation in the

field of social policy. Again, it would be ideal if the benchmarking can occur before training and

professional development activities are initiated, so that participants can become familiarised with the

professional expectations generated by such standards and benchmarks for improving services and enhancing

inclusion for people with disabilities.

Attention will need to paid to the sequencing and timelines for linked activities and particularly for the

proposed EU twinning project on statistics and the World Bank project on definitions and classification. It is

hoped that complementarities will be promoted across all three projects. An example where this can be

expected is in respect of Component 4 for this project, where capacity building activities including training

will be taking place.

ANNEX 1: LOGICAL FRAMEWORK MATRIX

LOGFRAME PLANNING MATRIX

Project: Support to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection

of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the

Development of a System for Medico-Social Rehabilitation of

People with Disabilities

Programme name and number

ENPI National Annual Action Programme 2010 for the Republic

of Azerbaijan

Twinning

Contracting period expires: 19/12/2015 Disbursement period expires:

19/12/2017 Total budget: 1,100 000,- €.

Budget year: 2010

Overall objective Objectively verifiable indicators (Benchmarks) Sources of Verification Assumptions

Improved social inclusion and quality of care of

people with disabilities in Azerbaijan.

A Disability Strategy drafted and adopted by MLSPP.

Policies and legislation supporting social inclusion

drafted, approved by MLSPP and submitted for

adoption if needed.

Regular Report of the

Republic of Azerbaijan

on the implementation of

the UN Convention “On

the Rights of People with

Disabilities”;

UNCRPD Mandatory

Report;

Annual Report of the

State Statistical

Committee on disability-

related indicators;

Action Plan on

strengthening the

protection of the rights of

persons with disabilities

issued by MLSPP &

partners;

Minutes of meetings of

Public Council under

MLSPP;

Final Reports of NGO

Providers Under Contract

Political commitments In

Azerbaijan to continue in the

reform process as scheduled.

Disability sector reform

remains a political priority and

responsible authorities

approve in time.

to MLSPP;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of the World

Bank;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of UNICEF;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of DPOs.

Project purpose Objectively verifiable indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions

To assist the Ministry of Labour and Social

Protection of Population in the development of

policies and rehabilitation system for people

with disabilities based on European Best

Practice.

Plans for development of system of care and social

inclusion developed and approved by MLSPP.

National Minimum Standards developed and approved by

the MLSPP.

Strategic documents developed, approved by the MLSPP

and submitted for legal adaptation to the Government if

needed.



on the implementation

of the UN Convention

“On the Rights of

People with

Disabilities”;

UNCRPD Mandatory

Report;


State Statistical

Committee on

disability-related

indicators;




Disability sector reform remains a

political priority and responsible

authorities approve in time.

Maintenance of split

responsibilities regarding MLSPP,

MoH, MoE

Awareness among all social policy

institutions of the need for a

paradigm change in disability

services

Action Plan on

strengthening the

protection of the rights

of persons with

disabilities issued by

MLSPP & partners;



MLSPP;


Providers Under

Contract to MLSPP;

Ad hoc and annual


Bank;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of UNICEF;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of DPOs;

National Minimum

Standards approved by

the MLSPP.

Objectively verifiable indicators Sources of Verification

Component 0: visibility and organisation of Twinning

Kick-off meeting, closure meeting, Steering Committee

meetings, visibility and awareness Meetings relevant to the Twinning organisation conducted

The information about the start of the project is disseminated

amongst the stakeholders and the media

The information about the implementation of the project is

distributed amongst the stakeholders and journalists

The stakeholders and the media informed about the results of

the project

The minutes and agenda of

the kick-off, closure and

Steering Committee

meetings

List of attendants

Leaflets, brochures, banner

Press releases

External partners will be able to attend

the meetings

Collaboration and cooperation among

the stakeholders

Possible institutional changes do not

effect the existing roles and

responsibilities of related institutions

and departments

Component 1

A Strategy Paper and Master Plan for the

development of the system of medico-social

rehabilitation and social inclusion of people

with disabilities and Communication Strategy

about disability-related issues

Strategic Paper and Master Plan developed and approved

by MLSPP;

Assessment report of current structure and functioning of

DSPPDP and other key actors and stakeholders provided;

Analysis of state of affairs provided and possible

proposals elaborated;

1 Workshop for involvement of all key stakeholders on

development and conclusions of analysis provided;

Document regarding mapping of the relationship between

DSPPDP and other key actors and stakeholders prepared;





“On the Rights of

People with

Disabilities”;

UNCRPD Mandatory

Report;



MLSPP;

Final Report of NGO




Disability sector reform remains

a political priority and

responsible authorities approve in

time.

Commitments for sustained

involvement of stakeholders are

given, including MLSPP,

Ministries of Health, Education,

Transport and Finance, NGOs

and DPOs, etc.

Assessment of current communication situation

implemented;

Communication Strategy developed by tailored and

agreed messages for public consumption;

Documents about raised public awareness of new

approaches to care of people with disabilities prepared;

A special section dedicated to Community Care created

on the MLSPP web-site.

Providers Under

Contract to MLSPP;

Ad hoc and annual


Bank;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of UNICEF;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of DPOs;

Strategic Paper and

Master Plan;

Assessment reports;

Analysis;

Mapping document;

Public Awareness and

Communication

Strategy;

Workshop materials;

MLSPP web-site.

Component 2

Review of legal framework for the introduction of a

system of medico-social rehabilitation and social

inclusion of people with disabilities in Azerbaijan

and recommendations

Detailed gap analysis of the relevant national social

legislation in accordance with the EU requirements

carried out;

Recommendations on amendments of relevant legislation

provided;





“On the Rights of

People with

Disabilities”;






and DPOs, etc.

Learning Network established.

UNCRPD Mandatory

Report;


State Statistical

Committee on

disability-related

indicators;

Action Plan on

strengthening the


of persons with


MLSPP & partners;

Annual Report of Public

Council of MLSPP;


Providers Under

Contract to MLSPP;

Ad hoc and annual


Bank;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of UNICEF;

Stakeholders are aware of the

impact of the legal basis to

further community care and

social inclusion of people with

disabilities

Ad hoc and annual

reports of DPOs;

Gap Analysis and

Recommendations.

Component 3

Development of mechanisms and procedures required

for the development and implementation of Individual

Support Plans and Programmes for people with

disabilities

Review of cooperation processes and procedures for

improvement in development of programmes of PWD

2 Workshops with stakeholders

2 Pilot rehabilitation centres having developed new

models and approaches required for the development of

individual support plans and programmes

A consultation exercise on implementation of

individual support plans and programmes conducted

with service users, parents and other family carers.

Analysis of results of Pilot Project

Job descriptions and human resources development

strategy for Pilot Centres developed





“On the Rights of

People with

Disabilities”;

UNCRPD Mandatory

Report;


State Statistical

Committee on

disability-related

indicators;

Action Plan on

strengthening the


of persons with


MLSPP & partners;


MLSPP remains committed to

produce services to EU standards

and benchmarks, and subject to

independent verification






and DPOs, etc.

Commitment of staff and

stakeholders given, including

State Employment Service, the

Rehabilitation Centres, NGOs,

disability associations, DPOs,

employers' associations, parents'

groups and community

organisations


MLSPP;


Providers Under

Contract to MLSPP;

Ad hoc and annual


Bank;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of UNICEF;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of DPOs;

Report on the review

results;

Workshop materials;

Pilot Centres models,

individual support plans

and programmes, Job

descriptions and human

resources development

report;

Consultation exercises

materials;

Report on results of

Pilot Project.

Component 4

Strengthening of professional competence and

capability of DSPPDP, DPRC and MSDC through

training of staff, including the preparation of the

training strategy, the development of training

programmes and materials

Training needs analysis with number of verbal and written

interviews;

Training Strategy and Manual with training plan;

methodology and training material (hand-outs) produced;

DSPPDP (1 department in MLSPP), DPRC (14 centres)

and MSEC (39 commissions) are qualified to apply new

community-based social care methods

At least 6 national and regional organizations concerned

with the subject PWD are involved

10 Training courses with subjects related to:

Component 1

Component 2

Component 3

Component 5 provided

At least 15 Trainers selected and qualified;

Training evaluation sheets analysed;





“On the Rights of

People with

Disabilities”;

UNCRPD Mandatory

Report;


State Statistical

Committee on

disability-related

indicators;

Action Plan on

strengthening the


of persons with


MLSPP & partners;



MLSPP;


Providers Under

Contract to MLSPP;








organisations

Staff and representatives from






organisations able to attend

training and maintain

commitment to participation

Appropriate staff members and

representatives chosen as trainers

Ad hoc and annual


Bank;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of UNICEF;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of DPOs;

Training needs analysis;

Training Strategy, Manual

with training plan,

methodology and training

materials;

List of trainees and

evaluation sheets;

Training evaluation

analysis.

Component 5

Review of current system for reporting, monitoring

and evaluation of medico-social rehabilitation and

social inclusion of people with disabilities and

recommendations

2 workshops with state actors and NGOs for monitoring

system review and development carried out;

Assessment report on current reporting, monitoring and

evaluation system produced;

Recommendations for MLSPP on required arrangements

for reporting, monitoring and evaluation

with new indicators of community care are set up,

including coverage and effectiveness;





“On the Rights of

People with

Disabilities”;

UNCRPD Mandatory

Report;








organisations

Component participants

including State Employment

Glossary of terms provided.


State Statistical

Committee on

disability-related

indicators;

Action Plan on

strengthening the


of persons with


MLSPP & partners;



MLSPP;


Providers Under

Contract to MLSPP;

Ad hoc and annual


Bank;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of UNICEF;

Ad hoc and annual

reports of DPOs;

Service, the Rehabilitation

Centres, NGOs, disability

associations, DPOs, employers'

associations, parents' groups and

community organisations able to

maintain commitment to

collaborative participation

throughout timescale

Workshops materials;

Assessment report;

Recommendations for

MLSPP;

Glossary of terms.

Activities Means Assumptions

A1.1 Analysis of current situation and Strategic Paper

and Master Plan development

A 1.2 Establishing benchmarking

A 1.3 Organisation of a study visit to an EU Member

State

A 1.4. Assessment of the current situation of

communication regarding disability issues and

a definition of a strategy to communicate new

approaches.

A 1.5. Preparation of Public Awareness and

Communication Strategy focusing on medico-

social rehabilitation care and social inclusion of

people with disabilities

STE,

Interpretation, translation and other material

STE

Interpretation, translation and other material

Beneficiary Staff, per diems, incidentals

STE

Interpretation, translation and other materials

STE

Interpretation, translation and other materials

Availability of stakeholders

ensured

Maintenance of MLSPP staff and

secretarial support

Stability in the institutional

environment

Translated documents are

available in time and quality

Consensus regarding the

selection of study visit

participation

A 2.1 Conducting a comparative study STE Experts from the ministries and

A 2.2 Recommendations for law enforcement

A 2. 3. Organisation of a learning network

interpretation, translation and other material

STE


STE


institutions are available and

willing to collaborate in the

working group and proposed time

frame



All internal necessary documents

are available within the agreed

time frame


selection of learning network

participation

A 3.1 Establish the necessary processes and

procedures

A 3.2. Implementation of a Pilot Project

A 3.3.Organisation of an internship

A 3.4 Study tour to selected Member State

STE

interpretation, translation

STE





ensured



Experts from the ministries,

centres & NGOs are available

and willing to collaborate in the


frame


selection of study visit or

internship participation

A 4.1 Conduct a Training Needs Analysis

A 4.2. Creation of training materials for training

A 4.3. Conduct of training

STE


STE


STE



ensured and availability of

training participants confirmed

Experts from the ministries and




Training resources and materials

are prepared with respect to

quality and in time



A 5.1 Review of the system

A 5.2 Glossary of terms prepared

A 5.3 Internship

STE


STE




ensured

Experts from the ministries and




frame



All internal necessary documents

are available within the agreed

time frame

Annex 2: List of Legislation

Law of Azerbaijan Republic on Prevention of disability and limitation

health abilities of children, rehabilitation and social protection of disabled

persons and children with limited health abilities (25 August 1992).

The Regulation on the Criteria for Determining Disability Cabinet of

Ministry decision № 99 (29 August).

Law of Azerbaijan Republic on Employment. For the employment and

social protection of citizens with special needs (02 July 2001).

The Regulation on the Medical-Social Expert Commissions (Cabinet of

Ministry decision № 93 19 August).

Cabinet of Ministry decision № 433 05 August. On getting special

transport rules for providing disabled persons with medical guidelines by

car and motor - wheel chair.

Cabinet of Ministry decision № 103 08 July 2002. On providing with

orthopedics - prosthesis products for disabled persons, participants of the

second world war and citizens affected by taking part in rescue, providing

medical assistance to the people during emergency situation.

Annex 3. Detailed Implementation Schedule

Implementation schedule (in quarters)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Call for

proposals

Contracting

Implementation

ANNEX 4: BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has committed itself to developing a

new strategy intended to improve the quality of care of people with disabilities and

promote their social inclusion and has committed itself to the reforms necessary to

achieve these improvements. There is an expressed desire for the harmonization of

national legislation and development of a state policy for people with disabilities, in an

effort to support their equal rights. The Republic of Azerbaijan is a signatory of the

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional

Protocol, and both have been ratified by Parliament.

However Azerbaijan lags far behind many other Commonwealth of Independent States

(CIS) countries in respect of the situation of people with disabilities. According to

government statistics, there are about 420,000 people with special needs in Azerbaijan

in 2011 making up 4.6% of total population. Furthermore as of 2011, 59,207 children

were registered as disabled. These figures appear low in comparison with other

countries, which tend to be in the region of approximately 6%. Moreover the figures

refer to the higher end of the disability spectrum and do not include those with minor to

moderate forms of impairment, which would be in the region of a further 10% to 15%

of the population. Efforts to improve the quality and reliability of statistical information

relating to disability will be undertaken in a separate twinning proposal, indicated in the

section on Linked Activities.

For the twinning proposal described in this fiche, the target group covers the entire

range of people with disabilities, including children, adults in the age range for

employment, and older people. These sub-groups are all affected by a worsening

epidemiological situation, lack of prevention policies, gaps in early intervention, as

well as lack of proper medical-social rehabilitation and in some cases of childbirth

practice, medical negligence. A situation assessment from 2011, commissioned by

UNICEF and the NGO Social Services Initiative, included a survey of 250 children

with disabilities, which found that 44% of parents reported that their children had no

access to special treatment and medical services, 62% reported no access to specialist

rehabilitation treatment and 97% no access to in-home, residential and other support

services in the community. Another finding was that while existing legislation

provided a decent basis for the protection of the rights of PWD, significant reforms

were required to bring it fully into harmony with UNCRPD. A major problem for

people with disability in Azerbaijan, moreover, remains their exclusion from the

mainstream of the society, including the labour market.

While good practice in EU countries typically involves attempts to develop socially

inclusive and community-based forms of support for those affected by disability

provided by statutory and non-statutory organisations within a regulated and mixed

economy of care, Azerbaijan still relies heavily on state-provided medical and

institutional models of care. There is a small but active number of non-governmental

organisations working in the field of disability in Azerbaijan, which have been

developing working relationships with MLSPP in order to improve service provision

for PWD, particularly outside Baku.

In addition, with few exceptions, children with disabilities in the country have no legal

right to education. The educational sector has no academic curriculum and no pedagogy

in Inclusive or Special Education. Thus they have little experience with educating

children with disabilities, other than the efforts of a few donor-financed Parent Non-

Governmental Organizations (NGOs), which have received training from Western

countries. There is no formal Occupational Rehabilitation sector or expertise either.

Moreover, despite the adoption of the law “On prevention of disabilities and impaired

health of children and rehabilitation and social protection of the disabled and children

with impaired health” in 1992, which requires all new construction to be accessible,

there is no compliance and no enforcement. Little thought is given to universal design

or even basic accessibility standards. The physical infrastructure needs improvement

and is not always safe even to non-disabled individuals, with many pavements raised to

discourage parking.

The current system of medical-social expertise used to decide who is eligible for

benefits is affected by many inconsistencies or outdated practices, some of which stem

from the former Soviet medical model. As is the case in many other former Soviet

Union countries, claimants are grouped into categories. Group I consists of individuals

whose disability is so severe that not only are they considered unable to work, but also

that they need personal assistance; Group II have disabilities too severe to work but do

not need personal assistance; and Group III have at least a 25 per cent impairment but

are considered able to work. The default assumption tends to be that because a person

has a severe disability, she or he is not capable of work. By contrast, Western countries

have decades of experience disproving this assumption. Decisions are still driven by

the concept of the loss of function considered as a physical or mental deficit. The focus

of the assessment process is on what the person cannot do or can no longer do, and not

on the remaining capacity. Formal vocational rehabilitation has not yet been fully

established as a discipline in Azerbaijan and there are still no attempts to develop

individual vocational rehabilitation plans for persons with impaired health. Whatever

rehabilitation took place was usually medical or clinical in nature and often limited to a

one-time or ad hoc effort. The aim was to try to restore some level of functioning for

the affected person. Not surprisingly, the prevailing disability assessment system and

social perception in general have very low expectations of what individuals with

disabilities can accomplish. One major difficulty with the current system is the way the

process is administered by the Medical and Social Expertise Commission (MSEC) and

its physicians who examine claimants seeking benefits, according to findings from a

study conducted by the SPDP. More recently, there have been attempts in some of the

rehabilitation centres to develop and improve social forms of rehabilitation and to

improve treatments and equipment to better support PWD. These efforts need to be

broadened and strengthened across the system, and capacity building and further

development and support of professional education of staff is required.

According to the Article 2 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On prevention of

disabilities and impaired health of children, rehabilitation and social protection of the

disabled and children with impaired health”, people with disabilities are categorised as

people in need of social assistance and protection because of mental or physical defects

arisen from birth, sickness or injury. According to the law, the terminology “disabled”

in respect to children should be replaced with the wording “children with impaired

health”. Children with impaired health under 18 are considered as children needing

social assistance and protection because of their limited life activities as a result of

sicknesses, mental and physical defects interrupting their normal development. Based

on this law, the activity of medical, vocational and social rehabilitation of persons with

disabilities and children with impaired health is carried out individually by decision of

medical-social expert commissions with participation of relevant authorities and

representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities and children with impaired

health. Individual rehabilitation programmes determine the rehabilitation measures

needed, as well as social assistance forms, types and duration of implementation. In this

connection, there are 14 centres for the rehabilitation of PWD operating in the country.

PWD from all three categories, with the potential for rehabilitation, receive medical

rehabilitation treatment. PWD are admitted to these centres following a decision by

medical institutions and medical-social expert commissions. Persons with disabilities

are treated with pharmaceutical, physiotherapy, mud treatments, therapeutic physical

training, hydrotherapy procedures, massage and other methods of treatment available in

the rehabilitation centres.

There are, however, large gaps in provision, particularly in those rural districts outside

Baku. Parents of children with disabilities in such districts are especially

disadvantaged and are struggling to cope with caring for their children at home, the

associated loss of income, the lack of services and the maladministration of benefits, to

which they are meant to be entitled. This situation is clearly unsatisfactory and major

changes are needed, in order to develop an assessment system that embraces social

models and which is much more multidisciplinary, holistic and person-centred than the

current system. Furthermore, the situation with regard to children requires substantial

improvement in terms of definitional and assessment issues, as well as in terms of the

development of inclusive models and individually tailored services, including services

that are locally based. Results of a 2012 study commissioned by UNICEF into aspects

of the State Programme on De-institutionalization and Alternative Care for 2006-2015,

endorsed in 2006 by the President, indicate that there is still a long way to go,

particularly in respect of a child-centred and locality-based forms of support. While

there appears to be some progress with issues such as the preparation of individual

plans, low levels of participation in decision-making by children and parents were also

reported. The great majority of stakeholders involved appear to be lacking in

competencies and information regarding children's rights.

A 2011 report 'Social Protection and Social Inclusion in Azerbaijan', requested by the

European Commission, identified a few major challenges to the social protection

system in Azerbaijan." First, there is no clear separation between social insurance and

social assistance programs due to the non-homogeneous nature of poverty, especially in

cases related to old-age. Second, most social benefits continue to be distributed based

on categorical consideration rather than means-testing. Child benefits, disability

pensions and benefits to refugees are good examples of this. In the case of child

benefits, the major shortcoming of such programs is the requirement that an officially

recorded salary provide the basis for identifying eligibility. Non-poor families could

also receive this aid from the government since informal or unregistered employment is

common in Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, families whose income is slightly higher than

€48.6 (55 AZN) are completely cut off from benefits. As a result, non-contributory

social transfers reach 30.5% of the population with coverage for the poor at 47.2%

compared to 24.7% for the non-poor (World Bank, 2009). Third, major problems in the

system of social protection and inclusion stem from the absence of clear objectives for

the programs. Despite the fact that the government announced poverty reduction

programs in 2000, its social protection programs were not tailored for the purposes of

poverty reduction. In fact, the government thinly distributes resources to a larger share

of the population, providing minimal benefits to as many as possible, thus overall

failing to significantly change the status of poor people. Targeted social assistance is

the classical example of such a policy.

Despite the criticism, TSA was able to improve the situation via poverty reduction and

to reach vulnerable segments of the population. TSA has eliminated and replaced three

types of benefits to families with children that proved to be deficient. Additionally, it is

expected that TSA will further replace a few other categorical benefits. However, the

government should only do that if TSA reaches a good target performance. At the same

time, the government should take steps to distribute social transfers (except TSA) more

pro-poor. This specifically relates to unemployment benefits, some child benefits and

in-kind benefits.

As mentioned in a few reports (World Bank, 2009b), Azerbaijan has to develop a new

mechanism for targeting vulnerable segments of the population. It also has to deliver

benefits that could decrease the poverty level in the country more effectively. This

could include reconsidering some benefits to certain categories of people and rely more

on income-tested benefits rather than universal ones. At the same time, the government

should address the causes of poverty rather than its consequences. It should be

mentioned that the government experiences a problem in the delivery of social services,

not in financing. Most social services are delivered by the local representative office or

ministry. The government could contract out some services, such as disability care and

elderly care to NGOs or to local municipalities depending on quality. The government

could also give block grants to local governments that could then distribute aid or direct

finances based on the needs of the region. "

The analysis in this report shows that "persons 65 years old and over, especially those

who live alone or single parent households with 1 or more dependent children are the

most vulnerable groups. These households are more at risk of being excluded or

materially deprived if the education of the household head is low and if they live

outside of the capital (especially in rural area). The number of children also positively

correlated with vulnerability to poverty. Households with 3 or more children are more

likely to be poor relative to households with fewer children. IDPs and refugees are

another group exposed to poverty and social exclusion. It is evident that cases of severe

material deprivation still exist despite strong economic growth and reduction in the

poverty rate during recent years. This is particularly true in rural areas and among the

IDP and refugee population—the majority of them still live in inadequate conditions.

Another major deficiency of the Azerbaijani Government’s approach to the poverty

reduction and social exclusion alleviation is the lack of well-defined and precise

benchmarks against which the success of governmental measures in implementing

programs and reforms could be compared to in the future. Among other important

aspects of the social exclusion is the lack of social infrastructure to accommodate the

needs of the disabled population. For instance, the lack of educational infrastructure

and facilities that are adapted to the needs of disabled people drives them toward home

schooling which is a contributing factor to their social exclusion. The same is true of

transportation, recreation and other points of access to public space. The lack of

infrastructure for disabled people confines them to domestic space and prevents them

from active participation in public life."

To bring about the necessary improvements, Azerbaijan has already initiated reforms in

the field of social policy and social protection of people with disabilities and the

Beneficiary has expressed commitment to an agreed agenda for the further reforms

necessary for their social rehabilitation and social inclusion. These reforms imply the

implementation of legislative and policy changes, including the modernisation of the

system and approximation with EU standards and practices. They further imply that

there take place a reconfiguration and redeployment of existing services such as the

rehabilitation centres, and retraining of their staff, combined with the development of

innovative services and supports in line with new social models and welfare pluralism,

where non-statutory actors such as NGOs, disability associations, DPOs, and service

users and family carers become partners working alongside the statutory authorities.

To promote the realization of this vision for further reform, active collaboration and

partnership with different stakeholders in the development of strategies and legislation

should be encouraged and should form a part of any EU Twinning Project in this field.

There is a growing awareness of the need for the social inclusion for PWD,

community-based social services and collaboration with other public institutions and

NGOs. However there is a lack of knowledge about how best to address these issues.

Moreover, the public administration still lacks the institutional capacities at all levels to

press ahead with the changes required for bringing in the new models and new

approaches for supporting PWD in the community. Such institutional strengthening is

now a necessity for any EU twinning project in this field.