Viltis, a Lithuanian community for people with intellectual disabilities, is celebrating 35 years of activity. On this occasion, the society organized a festive conference at the Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius.

At the event, President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda presented Dana Migaliova, the founder and long-time leader of the society, with the medal of the Order of Grand Duke Gediminas of Lithuania for services to Lithuania.

“It is impressive that your community realized so early that the united efforts of like-minded people are a powerful force capable of changing people's destinies. Having joined the struggle for the right of your children to a decent life and full participation in society on the eve of independence, you have not given up until now,” the President noted.

Minister of Social Protection and Labor of the Republic of Lithuania Justyna Jakštienė, Trakai District Mayor Andrius Šatevičius, Director of the Agency for the Protection of the Rights of People with Disabilities Eglė Čaplikienė, President of the Lithuanian Association of Social Workers Jūratė Tamašauskienė, and others also came to congratulate the society.

Dainius Pūras, honorary member of “Viltis”, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor talked about the beginning of the society's activities. Dana Migaliova and the current head of “Viltis” Ramunė Lebedytė-Undzėnienė expressed gratitude for the significant work of all organizations of the society, whose representatives came from different regions of Lithuania.

Among the guests were representatives of the Penki Kontinentai group, who were also thanked for their long-standing cooperation. Auksė Glavinskienė, BS/2 Chief Operating Officer, congratulated the society on behalf of the group, presenting a symbolic statuette and a bouquet.

“We are honored to be friends of the Viltis Society. We see their great desire to help others and to create better conditions for people with special needs. We can learn from the members of society their perseverance and patience, which is necessary for everyone who strives hard to achieve their goals,” says Auksė Glavinskienė. 

Penki Kontinentai Group has maintained friendly relations with the Viltis Society for more than 15 years: it provides financial support, constantly participates in the annual Friendship and Neighborhood Festival, and invites the Kavos Galia (Power of Coffee) car, in which young people with disabilities prepare coffee and tea, thus trying to integrate into society.

At the Viltis event, reports on the protection of the rights of people with special needs were delivered, and musical groups of the society's members performed. The artistic group of people with intellectual disabilities from Alytus performed a miniature performance “Four Candles”, which moved everyone. The singer Aldegunda and the Ciurlionis Quartet also performed in front of the audience.

According to Ramunė Lebedytė-Undzėnienė, the greatest need in society is for communities to welcome all people with intellectual disabilities. This spring, group homes were opened to accommodate people with intellectual disabilities. They manage their households, prepare their meals, and take care of their surroundings. More such homes are expected to open. Another issue is integrated education so that children with disabilities do not feel discriminated against in schools.

“Viltis” is one of the largest and most well-known non-governmental organizations in Lithuania, uniting more than 10 thousand people: children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and professionals.