Description
The families of people with disabilities (PWD) tend to be overprotective, which can decrease independence of PWDs. The project is targeted at PWDs and their families (about 1650 persons). Project objective is to empower vulnerable groups by increasing social and civic activity and reduce exclusion of PWDs. The support will include care over the PWDs, psychological workshops, physical and social activity, and voluntary work in NGO - SSR START. A dedicated helpline for the PWDs and their families will be launched. Lawyers and psychologists will answer questions and help to resolve most common problems in this social group. They will also encourage the callers to undertake various forms of activity. In this area the applicant will use the experiences of the Norwegian Partner. Two study visits and joint internet publication are planned. Project will benefit at least 50 PWDs and 90 family members of PWDs.
Summary of project results
"The Association experience proved that many persons with disabilities (PD) are able to perform some activities independently as well as to take part in sport and social activities. But being limited by the over protectiveness of their caregivers, they lack the faith in their own abilities and they have the lower feeling of their capability. The aim of the project was to increase the independence of persons with disabilities and to motivate them to take up some mobile actions as well as social and civil activities in order to decrease the scope of duties of the PD parents towards their children. 49 persons with disabilities increased the scope of their independence and 96 PD caregivers became more socially active. The Project was conducted in three half year editions. Once a week the instructors took care of disabled participant who was under their protection - they took him to sport and leisure activities as well as psychological activities, They also took him to a hairdresser and cosmetician etc. (at least 144 hours of support per person). Thanks to the help of the instructors the PD caregivers could rest and concentrate on their self-development. Activities included physical activities (288 hours) and psychological support (342 hours) both for PD and their caregivers. The important part was played by the group workshops for PD with psychologists aimed at building their consciousness on the way their behavior was perceived by the society. Meeting with dietician and beautician were also offered (144 hours), group visits to cinema, fairs and theme shows, integration events and competitions. Some of the participants danced with a partner for the first time in their lives, went to a swimming pool or even visited a hairdresser. There was also a hotline organized which carried out 1600 legal and psychological advice for persons from all around Poland. 50 PDs and 78 caretakers took part in the workshops on volunteering. The group of 21 volunteers was created with 10 persons already beginning regular cooperation with the Association. The activities covered 54 families mostly from the area of The Greater Poland (including 54 persons with disabilities and their 96 caregivers) . The Norwegian partner shared its experience with conducting activities for persons with various disabilities."
Summary of bilateral results
"On 21 – 23 September Norwegian representatives from Vivil organisation arrived to Poland to Wagrowiec Leisure -rehabilitation center WIELSPIN . They took a part in sports-rehabilitation camp organized by START Association for 80 person with disabilities from the whole Poland. Program of the camp included : • Sports and recreational activities • Water sports – canoeing, swimming • Motorboat activities – kneeboard, water skiing, pneumatic wheel and others. • Rehabilitation ( treatments) • Table tenis, boccia • Dancing classes Norwegian representatives actively participated in all workshops and classes. They most liked water sports, adapted to the needs of people with disabilities – water skiing, pneumatic sports, canoeing. Sports Rehabilitation Association START is the first and only one organization in Poland that teaching adapter water sports for the disabled. On 5-8 August volunteers and sport instructors from START Association went to visit – Vivil organisation in Norway. Poles visited the Vivil resort, office and got known with the activities of the organization Vivil . During the meeting with the head of the organization - David Støre , polish group exchanged information about the Vivil misssion , the similarities and differences in the activities of both organizations. Vivil organization is active in 11 sports sections : swimming , Boccia , cross country skiing , music classes , dance lessons, recreational activities etc . Most of the Vivil members are people with intellectual disabilities. Polish instructors and volunteers had the opportunity to participate in swimming classes and get known better the methodology of this sport. In addition, the Poles took part in the dance show. START Association increased their organizational skills and experience in the international activities. START established permanent, solid partnership ,cooperation with the Norwegian partner . Disabled representatives of Norway will participate in Boccia sports event organized by START in Poznań in October 2016. START will also organize a training camp for Norwegian disabled group. In addition, both organizations agreed to a systematic exchange of information , if possible material , services and personal aid and joint initiatives (programs and projects) to solve social problems .