Asociatia Handicapatilor Fizici Harghita, Miercurea-Ciuc

From the very beginning the Association has sought to protect the interests of the physically disabled and has raised a strong voice for the implementation of existing laws and for bringing in new and more effective laws. It demands the right to work for physically disabled persons and struggles for equality of opportunity for those living in any disadvantaged situation. At the beginning of our activities we took part in the distribution of aid packages. We did this against our own convictions because we believe that donations are not really the way forward for our Association. We would prefer to earn respect as people who are fully integrated with local society and with something to offer within the limits of our disabilities. The giving of aid tends to isolate such groups and individuals. However we were in a start-up situation, which required much soul-searching on our part since we were also without any support from the government. The emerging results have been that our particular group has been and continues to be as independent as possible. We are determined to be self- supporting in spite of our needs for aid for some of our members still. Nevertheless the all-consuming goal of this organization is to takes its rightful place as a working unit and hold its head high within the society with which it must play its part.
The Handicapped Persons' Association of Harghita County was established after the fall of Communism in 1989, with the first meeting being held on 2nd February 1990. As the result of a brief newspaper announcement, within a few days about 270 people with physical disabilities had declared their interest in joining the new organization.
In December 1997 with the support of the Diocesan Caritas organization in Alba Iulia we opened our first workshops. This was a therapeutic activity for adult persons with physical and mental disability.

Candle-making workshop

Four people can be seen at work in this workshop.