General Provisions

Article 1
The Association of Persons with Disabilities “Ortopedik” (hereinafter: the Association) is a voluntary, non-profit organization based on the freedom of association of several natural and legal persons, for the purpose of achieving and advancing common goals in the field of humanitarian-social and health care, education, employment, protection of human rights and promotion of social responsibility, improving the position of persons with disabilities in society, as well as providing assistance in organizing rehabilitation, educational workshops, expert forums, counseling, seminars, excursions, volunteer actions, providing aids and other medical devices, care and nursing of persons with disabilities of all categories.

The Association is established for an indefinite period.

Area of Achieving Goals and Content of Activities

Article 2
The Association is established to achieve the following goals:

• Providing support and advocacy for the realization and protection of the human rights of persons with disabilities in accordance with national and international legal frameworks;

• Encouraging and supporting the education of persons with disabilities, with the aim of integration into regular educational institutions and lifelong learning programs;

• Working to ensure equal opportunities for employment, including incentives for employers and vocational training programs;

• Organizing and providing quality social and health services tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities;

• Developing programs and services that enable persons with disabilities to live independently and integrated into the community;

• Organizing sports activities and education in sports in cooperation with professional organizations, associations, clubs, both domestically and abroad;

• Encouraging participation in cultural and sports activities to improve the quality of life and promote social integration;

• Raising societal awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and promoting positive examples of their integration into society;

• Establishing cooperation with various organizations, institutions, and bodies for the exchange of experiences and joint action for the benefit of persons with disabilities;

• Initiating and supporting changes to laws and regulations to improve the position of persons with disabilities in society.

Article 3
To achieve its goals, the Association notably:

• Implements specialized education and training programs for association members, as well as for professionals working with persons with disabilities;

• Provides free legal aid and counseling for persons with disabilities on matters concerning their rights and obligations;

• Organizes and implements financial support programs, including scholarships, one-time financial aid, and funds for living space adaptation;

• Conducts research in the field of disability to identify new needs and challenges, as well as to develop innovative solutions and services;

• Establishes a support center for crisis situations, such as violence, discrimination, or urgent medical needs;

• Organizes mentorship programs connecting more experienced persons with disabilities with younger members for knowledge exchange and support;

• Provides support to persons with disabilities returning to the community after a period of institutional or hospital care;

• Organizes support groups and counseling centers for family members of persons with disabilities to improve family dynamics and psychological well-being;

• Provides and distributes adaptive technology, aids, and equipment that improve the quality of life and independence of persons with disabilities;

• Provides support in the development and realization of cultural projects involving persons with disabilities, thereby promoting their talent and contribution to the cultural scene.

Name and Seat

Article 4
The name of the Association is: ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES “ORTOPEDIK”.
The abbreviated name is: “ORTOPEDIK”.
The Association has its seat in Plandište, Sterijina Street no. 4.

Activity of the Association

Article 5
The activity of the Association is:
94.99 – Activities of other membership organizations.
The Association realizes its activity on the territory of the Republic of Serbia.

Conditions and Method of Membership Admission and Termination of Membership

Article 6
Any person who accepts the goals of the Association and this Statute and submits an application for membership to the Assembly can become a member of the Association.
A minor aged 14 or over can become a member of the Association by submitting a certified statement of consent from their legal representative.
For a person under 14 years of age referred to in paragraph 1 of this article, the application is submitted by their legal representative.

Article 7
The decision on admission to membership is made by the Assembly, which notifies the applicant without delay.
A member may resign from membership by giving a written statement of withdrawal. For the withdrawal of a minor member, the consent of the legal representative is not required.
Membership in the Association may cease due to prolonged inactivity of the member, non-compliance with the provisions of this Statute, or damaging the reputation of the Association.
The decision on termination of membership is made by the Assembly.
The member must be given the opportunity to state their position on the reasons for which the proposal for the decision to terminate their membership in the Association was submitted.

Rights, Obligations, and Responsibilities of Members

Article 8
A member of the Association has the right to:

• Participate equally with other members in achieving the goals of the Association;

• Participate directly in decision-making at the Assembly;

• Elect and be elected to the bodies of the Association;

• Be timely and fully informed about the work and activities of the Association.

A member is obliged to:

• Actively contribute to achieving the goals of the Association;

• Participate, according to their interest, in the activities of the Association;

• Pay membership fees;

• Perform other tasks assigned by the representative.

Internal Organization

Article 9
The bodies of the Association are the Assembly and the representative of the Association.

Article 10
The Assembly of the Association consists of all its members, with equal voting rights.
The Assembly holds regular meetings once a year.
The Assembly:

• Adopts the work plan and program;

• Adopts the Statute, as well as amendments and supplements to the Statute;

• Adopts other general acts of the Association;

• Reviews and adopts the financial report;

• Decides on status changes and the termination of the Association’s work;

• Decides on joining alliances and other associations domestically and abroad.
  The Assembly has a quorum if at least half of the members are present.
  The Assembly decides by a majority vote of the members present.
  A two-thirds majority vote of the members present is necessary for a decision on amendments and supplements to the Statute, status changes, and termination of the Association’s work.

Article 11
The representative of the Association is responsible for the legality of the Association’s work, organizes and leads the activities and operations of the Association, ensures the regular keeping of prescribed records and business books, implements decisions of the Association’s bodies, and, regarding employees and engaged persons, has the authority and position of a director in a legal entity.

Achieving Publicity of Work

Article 12
The work of the Association is public.
The annual financial statement and reports on the Association’s activities are submitted to members at the Association’s Assembly session.

Article 13
To achieve its goals, the Association establishes contacts and cooperates with other associations and organizations domestically and abroad.
The Association may join international associations in the field of disability, a decision on which is made by the Assembly.

Method of Acquiring Funds for Achieving Goals and Disposal of Funds

Article 14
The Association acquires funds from membership fees, voluntary contributions, donations, sponsorships, inheritances, gifts, subsidies, and in other legally permitted ways.
The Association may also acquire funds from registration fees for seminars and other forms of education in the field of disability.

Termination of the Association’s Work

Article 15
The Association ceases its work by a decision of the Assembly, when the conditions for achieving the goals of the Association cease, as well as in other cases provided for by law.

Handling of Association Assets in Case of Termination

Article 16
In the event of termination of work, the assets of the Association shall be transferred to a domestic non-profit legal entity established to achieve the same or similar goals, i.e., the Assembly shall, by its decision on termination, determine to whom the assets are transferred in accordance with the Law.

Appearance and Content of the Seal

Article 17
The Association has a round seal, 30mm in diameter, containing the full name of the Association in Serbian – Cyrillic script and the seat of the Association.

Transitional and Final Provisions

Article 18
All matters not regulated by this Statute shall be directly governed by the provisions of the Law on Associations.

Article 19
This Statute enters into force on the day of its adoption at the Founding Assembly of the Association.

Chairperson of the Founding Assembly of the Association
Goran Mikulic