Description
The objective of the project is to improve the cooperation and the exchange of knowledge between employees of education and providers of education, who work with students who have special educational needs (autistic) among whom are gifted for music. There is very little methodical literature from the sphere of the special education in Lithuania, mostly translated, and the demand for it from the specialists is high. There are no techniques for the autistic persons' musical skills development in Lithuania. In order to contribute to the autistic children isolation reduction and to the solution of their musical education issues, the preparation, publishing and presentation of the methodical publication to the educational workers and the society is needed The target group of the project is the following; (1) music teachers, (2) members of the commissions on the child welfare, (3) special pedagogues and social pedagogues and (4) other educational workers and providers of education, who work with students with the autism disorders.
Summary of project results
It is important to integrate autistic people into society, to show them attention and find a solution to diminish their exclusion, provide better access to their self-realization. According often professionals lack of information, knowledge and experience how to work with autistic people seeking their inclusion The Good Practice Guide "Peculiarities of Musical Activity for the Development of Autistic Children" was prepared and published (400 copies) during the project. The Guide was presented during four conferences. One of them was organized in Iceland. The qualification program for teachers was prepared based on The Good Practice Guide. 100 teachers participated in trainings under this particular qualification program. Indirectly, the benefit of the project will receive special needs children – autistic, through higher teacher qualifications and better motivation in the long-term perspective. It is possible that in the future they will receive higher achievements in the field of music education.
Summary of bilateral results
All partners together created The Guide. The project partner from Iceland did a review of international research and analysis which was included in The Guide and organized a congress "The Bridge of Friendship" in Iceland. All partners participated during four confereces. This international partnership provided moral support and allowed for more creative brainstorming. The wider pool of knowledge, skills and contacts were several of the reasons of very good quality of The Guide.