The association was established in 1993 and in 1996 it was recognized by the Council of Ministers as a representative organization at the national level. BALIZ works for the dignified and independent life of children and persons with intellectual disabilities disabilities and their families. BALIZ believes in and insists on the participation of children and persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in the formation, monitoring and control of policies that are relevant to their lives at all levels of central and local government. The mission of BALIZ is to protect the right to a dignified and independent life for people with intellectual disabilities and their families by ensuring access to quality services, supported decision-making and employment opportunities BALIZ advocates for national and local policies that support the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in the formation, monitoring and control of national, regional and local policies related to them. BALIZ supports the discovery and development of a variety of social services in the community. BALIZ extends its activities throughout the country through its network of 37 associations and parent associations, covering 95 municipalities, with a membership of 2177 people.

Objectives of the Association: .To guarantee the exercise of the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and to ensure their protection , empowering themselves, with the necessary support, to make the decisions for their lives. .To ensure access to information and development of the skills of people with intellectual disabilities to defend their rights. .To ensure the full participation of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in all areas of public life. .To build and develop quality services for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, respecting their will, wishes and preferences.

Main directions in the activity of BALIZ:
. Advocacy before state and local institutions, as well as before EU institutions, to implement an adequate policy regarding persons with intellectual disabilities and their families; .Building capacity, conducting self-advocacy activities and expanding the self-advocacy network of people with intellectual disabilities, as well as developing skills for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in various areas of public life; .Expert, technical and methodical support for the implementation of the activities of the members in areas such as: advocacy, organization of support networks for support in decision-making by people with intellectual disabilities, development of professional capacity, support of parents in order to prevent placement in custody; .Supporting persons with intellectual disabilities and their families to cope with the effects and consequences of a health crisis and an economic crisis.