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Description
The central problem is the content and sensory inadequacy and the inaccessibility of common cultural content to children and young people with disabilities. Sensory differences complicate their participation in social interactions, events and movie screenings. Adaptations of content tailored to their needs are almost never applied in practice.
We will create two frameworks of methodological guidelines that would enable and facilitate the preparation and implementation of cultural content for PWDs and children and youth with DD. The guidelines and instructions for the audience will make cultural content accessible to marginalized groups and create an inclusive environment.
The project offers sensory cinema projections, photography and animation workshops, exhibitions of students'' works tailored to the target group in which they actively participate as consumers and creators.
The project will advocate for changes within cultural policies by developing participatory models for policy recommendations in consultation with vulnerable groups, encourage broader discussion, influence decision-makers in local government and sensitize the general public. Furthermore, we will ensure the strengthening of the capacity of partners in the field of communication skills and public advocacy.
The activities have the potential for a multiplier effect: the possibility of adapting to several cultural areas and applications to different geographical areas with the offered education and counselling.
Partners’ role; School and centres for education - development of guidelines, Pula Film Festival - organization of cinema screenings, association Metamedij - organization of a traveling exhibition, advocacy and coordination of the project.
Summary of project results
The project addressed several key challenges related to making cultural activities accessible for children and young people with developmental disabilities. A major issue was the content and sensory inappropriateness of standard cultural offerings. Social interactions, public events, and cinema screenings can be difficult for those with sensory differences. As adaptations for their needs are rarely implemented in practice, children and young people with disabilities often face barriers to participation. To tackle these challenges, the project aimed to create two methodological frameworks designed to make cultural content more accessible and inclusive. These frameworks would help tailor cultural activities to better suit children and young people with developmental disabilities, thus fostering an inclusive environment.
Another significant challenge was the lack of awareness and recognition of accessibility issues within cultural policies, especially at the regional and local levels. The project sought to address this by developing a communication strategy to advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in cultural policies at both the Istrian County and national levels. This strategy aimed to educate the public about the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in the cultural sector and to influence policymakers to adopt measures ensuring full participation of individuals with disabilities in cultural activities.
Additionally, the project provided culturally adapted content, including sensory-friendly film screenings, digital photography and animation workshops, and exhibitions of participants'' work. It also advocated for changes in cultural policies through consultations with vulnerable groups, stimulated broader discussions, influenced decision-makers, and raised public awareness.
To ensure the project''s success, a focus was put on enhancing the capacity of project partners in communication skills and public advocacy. The activities were designed to have a continuous multiplying effect, offering adaptability to various cultural sectors and geographic regions, alongside training and consulting. The project addressed the lack of knowledge and skills in public advocacy and lobbying among participants, helping them better communicate their important ideas to policymakers and the public.
The project focused on enhancing cultural accessibility for children and young people with developmental disabilities through a range of activities.
Initially, the project developed methodological guidelines to adapt cultural contents for these groups. This involved creating a framework for making cultural events more inclusive, forming a working group of experts, and conducting needs assessments through surveys and focus groups. The basis for developing these guidelines was research involving 159 individuals, conducted in four counties participating in the project, as well as in the City of Zagreb and Varaždin County. The needs analysis revealed a low level of participation in cultural activities and identified regional variations in engagement. Based on this, pilot testing of guidelines for creative workshops and sensory cinema screenings was carried out, with adjustments made based on feedback. The project also involved distributing the guidelines and providing mentoring to organizations and individuals involved in organizing accessible cultural programs.
The subsequent activities focused on implementation of the methodological frameworks by organizing specific cultural programs tailored for children and young people with developmental disabilities. This included conducting sensory cinema screenings and creative workshops. Training was provided for selecting films appropriate for sensory screenings and running inclusive art workshops. A series of events, including workshops and traveling exhibitions, were organized to engage the target audience and promote inclusivity.
Nineteen (19) sensory screenings with 9 different film titles were organized, hosted by 5 participating cinemas in Pula, Rovinj, Labin, Buzet, and Čakovec. The events received positive feedback for its effectiveness in increasing cultural participation and awareness. The project activities also included creative workshops in digital photography and animation, led by professional staff and tailored for children with developmental disabilities. In the animation workshops, the stories created were turned into collages that were used to make GIFs. Three such workshops were held: stop-motion animation workshops in Pula and Krapinske Toplice, and a digital photography workshop in Čakovec. A total of 51 children and young people with developmental disabilities participated in these workshops. Subsequently, a traveling exhibition was organized to present the participants'' creationa. The exhibition was set up in five cities (Pula, Zabok, Rovinj, Buzet, Labin), showcasing 30 pieces of work by participants. The project reached a broad audience - oOver 1,500 participants attended various events organized during the course of the project.
Finally, the project worked on advocating for support for vulnerable groups by strengthening democratic culture and civic engagement. This involved organizing a conference on cultural accessibility, creating proposals for cultural development plans, and participating in public consultations. The project successfully influenced local and national cultural policies, contributing to the integration of specific measures for cultural accessibility. A communication strategy was developed to raise awareness and advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in cultural activities. The campaign, which used both online and offline methods, effectively engaged policymakers and the public, further supporting the project''s goals.
The project had significant impacts on a range of stakeholders, directly and indirectly influencing employees in the cultural sector, civil society organizations (CSOs), local government units (LGUs), donors, the general public, educational professionals, and the media.
Employees in the cultural sector benefited from enhanced knowledge and skills in creating accessible cultural content. The project provided training and guidelines that helped them adapt programs to be inclusive, particularly for children with multiple developmental disabilities. This has led to a greater willingness and ability to create cultural programs that are accessible to all, including those with specific needs.
Civil society organizations have gained tools and guidelines to participate in shaping cultural policies and advocating for more inclusive practices. They are now better equipped to influence policy and promote inclusivity within the cultural sector, leading to increased awareness and adaptation of their own activities to be more inclusive.
Local government units have developed a deeper understanding of inclusive cultural policies. The project informed and educated them about the needs of children with developmental disabilities, motivating them to support and implement accessible cultural content locally. This has resulted in greater involvement in creating inclusive cultural environments within their communities.
Educational professionals gained skills and knowledge through training and workshops focused on children with developmental disabilities. This has enhanced their ability to create inclusive educational environments and has increased their engagement in supporting such initiatives.
The media has increased its coverage of inclusive cultural events, contributing to greater public awareness and support for such initiatives. This heightened media interest helps promote inclusive cultural practices and raises awareness about the needs of children with developmental disabilities.
The general public has become more aware of the needs of children with developmental disabilities and has shown increased interest in accessible cultural events. This shift in awareness has led to a broader acceptance and support for inclusive cultural practices.
Overall, the project has improved the sustainability and capacity of civil society organizations, particularly those working on adapting cultural content for children with developmental disabilities. Capacity-building efforts, such as advocacy training and communication planning, have strengthened these organizations and enhanced their ability to advocate for inclusivity. Additionally, new partnerships and collaborations established during the project, including with local government bodies and cultural institutions, will continue to support the adaptation of content and the promotion of inclusive practices.