The Journey of Sefedin Avdiaj, a Dedicated Legal Professional

Sefedin Avdiaj, a Legal Professional Associate at the court, is not just another justice sector expert—he is the only blind person in Kosovo to have passed the Bar exam. His path to the courtroom has been shaped by perseverance, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to proving that disability is no barrier to excellence.

A Life Transformed; A New Path Opened

Born in 1981, Sefedin had a typical childhood, attending school like any other child. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he lost his sight, forcing him to temporarily put his academic ambitions on hold. The loss was not only physical but also deeply emotional, requiring years to rebuild his confidence and sense of purpose.

"I had to come to terms with myself when I lost my sight," he recalls. During these years of reflection, he found new ways to navigate the world—learning Braille, mastering orientation skills, and regaining his independence.

Determined to continue his education, he enrolled at university, facing new challenges. "Braille literature was very limited," he explains,  "so I had to be innovative." His most valuable tool became a voice recorder, which he used to record lectures, transfer audio files to his computer, and listen to legal texts read by family members and friends.

In 2015, he earned his BA degree in law, followed by a MA degree in 2017. Then came his greatest achievement: passing the bar exam on 19 May 2019. However, even after this milestone, he encountered another challenge—finding a job.

"I was the only blind person in Kosovo admitted to the Bar, but opportunities were scarce," he recalls. Yet, he persevered.. In 2022, he secured a position as a Legal Professional Associate at the Basic Court of Gjakovë/Đakovica, which, along with its two branches, serves the city and 168 surrounding villages.

Today, Sefedin's daily routine reflects both efficiency and adaptability. He commutes seven kilometers from his home in Skivjan/e village to the court, always accompanied to the bus station by his wife or family members. "Once I get on the bus, there is always someone who helps me reach the court entrance," he says. He has memorized the layout of the new courthouse building, which opened in August 2024 and offers enhanced accessibility for persons with disabilities—unlike the old facility.

His workday starts at 8:00 AM, but he arrives 10 minutes early to settle into his ground-floor office. "First, I check emails—if there is anything urgent, I respond immediately. Otherwise, I proceed with the cases I usually handle."

Lately, he has been focusing more on criminal cases, analyzing legal provisions and ensuring that court decisions are properly referenced. "Now, there is a clear system," he explains. "Based on court transcripts, we complete forms and verify that all legal references are accurate. If something is missing, I add or adjust it as needed."

A Major Advancement: The Braille Display Device 

In August 2024, Sefedin’s efficiency improved significantly when, through UNDP , he received a Braille display device. This assistive tool transformed his workflow, allowing him to draft more legal documents while maintaining high-quality standards.

"Before, I relied solely on audio feedback," he explains. "Now, I can read and edit with great precision. My documents are error-free—no distortions, no omissions. I work faster and with higher accuracy. The judges I work with trust me completely and, if I may say so, I think they even prefer me!" he says, smiling.

For Sefedin, this is not just about speed; it is about demonstrating that professionals with disabilities can be just as capable as their peers—especially when provided with the right tools.

Beyond the Courtroom: A Vision for Inclusion

Despite his progress, Sefedin acknowledges that society still has a long way to go in improving conditions for persons with disabilities. "We need basic conditions to showcase our skills," he emphasizes. "Things are improving, but the process needs to accelerate."

His long-term goal is clear: "I love my job, my office, my colleagues. I want to do this for my entire career," he says. "When I retire from this job, I want to become a lawyer and represent clients in court. I want to prove that persons with disabilities are independent and valuable members of society."

For now, his focus remains on family—his wife and two young children. "The most important things in life are family and work. When you have both, you can achieve anything."

The "Support to Access to Justice and Advancement of Language Rights in Kosovo" project is implemented by UNDP with support from UNMIK.