Roman Osipyan

Education - Armenia (Eastern Europe and FSU)

Whilst growing-up in Armenia, Roman Osipyan often wondered why people with disabilities were not seen in the streets of Armenian cities and villages. Exposure to foreign films, and its portrayal of people with disabilities as active members of society, had sensitised him to this issue. Roman believed that the answer lay in the lack of facilities available for wheelchair users and people with other disabilities, and a lack of understanding and compassion in the wider community. In 2001, Roman co-founded UNISON, an organisation that strives to improve the lives of young people with disabilities by providing them with support and advice on a wide-range of issues, including education, employment, and civil rights. In addition, UNISON hopes to change the attitudes of society as a whole by raising awareness and campaigning for equal rights.

Roman believes that Oxfam IYP2004 will provide him with the practical skills and knowledge to develop a web-based resource that will not only assist people with disabilities to better manage their own lives, but will also allow other members of society to learn more about the issues surrounding disability. By making them aware of their own rights and the opportunities available to them, Roman hopes to empower young people with disabilities to play a more active role in Armenian society.