Albania to Adopt EU Disability Access Standards – But Will They Be Enforced?

Albania is moving to bring its disabled access standards into line with the EU’s own, but activists warn that without funding and effective enforcement, the new law could once again fail to deliver meaningful change. Katerina Jaupaj understood from an early age that she could not take a step without thinking about the consequences. She was 18 months old and had only just started walking when she broke her leg for the first time. Jaupaj was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, better known as brittle bone disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the production of collagen and renders bones fragile. Those with the condition face a high risk of fractures, even from impacts or movements that would be considered ordinary for others. The fear of injury followed Jaupaj throughout her childhood. While at school, she began using a wheelchair, but this only proved another source of anxiety. Subscribe to Balkan Insight Premium to read the full article. Please login to your account below if you are already a Premium Subscriber. Buy Premium Subscription Our Premium Service gives you full access to all content published on BalkanInsight.com, including analyses, investigations, comments, interviews and more. Choose your subscription today and get unparalleled in-depth coverage of the Southern and Eastern Europe. Buy Premium Subscription If you have trouble logging in or any other questions regarding you account, please contact us