Description
People with mental disabilities are facing new challenges inspired by rapidly developing society and increasing technological impact on social life and interaction with other social groups. New means of social communication mostly lead to greater isolation of people, who usually lag in chasing the changes. Therefore, it is important to assess and review the current services for people with mental disabilities, identify the needs of individual members and make improvements that would correspond to the new social environment. The project is aimed at strengthening NGOs representing the interest of people with mental disabilities. Our objectives is to strengthen the organization through creation of database and advanced competencies and improved advocacy skills of participating NGOs.The outputs are a database that reflects each member's individual needs and current social and health situation. In addition to this, expertise of staff of project promoter and partners to render new social services shall be created. The target groups are people with mental disabilities and family members and professionals working with people with mental disabilities.
Summary of project results
Project promoter has been providing various social care services to people with intellectual disabilities for more than 20 years. Nevertheless, the nowadays rapidly changing environment requires NGOs adding extra efforts in integrating people with intellectual disabilities into the society and providing them with tools to depend less on social caretakers and perform some tasks and duties on their own. This requires also a change in attitude towards people with mental disabilities – first of all by changing a mindset of NGO staff and then the one of the society members. The aim of Project was to strengthen and empower Vilniaus Viltis representing the interest of people with intellectual disabilities. They live longer and need specialized services, as they are faced with the changing society. New means of social communication (internet, Facebook, etc.) leads to their greater isolation. Therefore, it is important to assess and review the current services, identify the needs of individual members, to improve and build services that meet their needs. During the implementation of the project a social worker visited families and has been given information about possible social services, counselling and training on new technologies. The project also allowed solving the problem of inconsistent information about the members of „Vilniaus Viltis“. The organization unites around 2000 members therefore it takes time and resources to reach members and manage their profiles. The updated database and improved user interface mad this process more efficient. Now employees of Vilniaus Viltis may find the right contact easily and identify the need for the services of a certain individual. One of the effect of the project is greater visibility of the organization. Project promoter had the opportunity to publicize news, updates and inform the stakeholders of relevant issues, to spread the message about the people living next to everyone else in the society. A new interactive website reflects the organizations „Vilniaus Viltis“ activities, services, provide photographs, information and articles on partners, sponsors, etc. There is also an active volunteer's board. It could be undoubtedly stated that this project strengthened the organization itself as well as its ties with the members – the beneficiaries Vilniaus Viltis is existing for.
Summary of bilateral results
Partner organization As Styrktarfelag (Iceland) hosted representatives of project promoter (3 days study visit) and organized meetings with relevant NGOs and institutions working with people with mental disabilities. All partners visited a number of institutions: day care centres, houses for living, sheltered work places etc. This gave Lithuanian side a better impression on how are the rights of people with disabilities implemented in practice in Iceland. Partners have discussed which models could be adapted in Lithuanian environment and what additional advocacy and training efforts are needed. Icelandic partners also came to Lithuania twice and gave trainings to project staff about services, importance of quality, possibilities, infrastructure etc. Icelandic partners have inspired Lithuanian colleagues that a change in policy and quality of services is possible and achievable. A new project is already developed by both partners, therefore the cooperation is expected to have continuity. Lithuanian partner sees future cooperation and learning specifically on methods to achieve better quality of services provided.