Description
Despite an increasing body of evidence demonstrating the great importance of Early Intervention (EI) for cognitive and physical development of children with Down syndrome (DS), this is still not systematically done and is inaccessible to most children that would need it. The goal of the project is building expert capacity for EI, and to directly provide children with DS with access to EI through practical application. In parallel, we will increase the awareness of the entire support network for people with special needs about the importance of EI. The target groups, besides children with DS, are also the parents of these children and the experts, but also the general public. While providing direct benefits to the children with DS included within its activities, the project will also create long-term conditions for application of IE and through that facilitate fulfilling of their potential and easier integration in the society for this vulnerable group.
Summary of project results
The goal of the project was successfully achieved - they provided early intervention for children with Down syndrome by training the first practitioners. The project also focused on advocacy and they managed to include early intervention as a priority of the Slovenian Ministry of Health in this programming period. It has increased the awareness of the entire support network for the people with Down syndrome (and special needs) and state stakeholders. They have crated long-term support for the application of early intervention and their activities continue.
Summary of bilateral results