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Description
Non-verbal or augmentative communication is used by children and adults from the autistic spectrum, people with multiple, intellectual or communication difficulties, down syndrome, cerebral paralysis, slowed speech development, etc. Each communication panel is individual, i.e. pictograms.
The most vulnerable are children (2021, Disability Register, 1 426 children aged 0-19 are registered in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar county); the pilot Civic Education project primary schools yields extremely positive results, with 22 primary schools included.
The project aims to advance the social inclusion of children and people with development/disability problems in everyday life and a modular approach, to further mobilize young people for social participation in thier community, civic education tools.
Bringing together target groups in the joint activities has an impact on the sense of belonging, connectivity and usefulness, while fostering emotional and social growth and children’s development contributes to the development of the community’s social capital.
In order to raise awareness of local communities and social justice for vulnerable groups, children without development difficulties will, in addition to mentoring teachers and project implementers, carry out research and mapping of needs for communication boards and help install the first of them, within their educational institutions, but also in public areas.
Training students to perform their civic role actively and effectively, implementing supported/inclusive voluntary action and holding a press conference by the project beneficiaries further influences the awareness and needs of vulnerable groups, develops a sense of autonomy and encourage socially responsible behavior among young people, and adds value to the project.
Informed, involved and active young people in building a more equal society for peers with development difficulties/disability are the changes we expect as a result of this project.
Summary of project results
Encouraging the development of active and responsible citizens is one of the central goals of educational policies in European countries, including Croatia, where this is implemented through civic education. Activities aimed at equipping students for active and effective civic participation, as well as raising awareness about vulnerable groups, contribute to the development of social capital in the community and add value to the project.
Intergenerational knowledge transfer and youth activation in the areas of volunteerism, public advocacy, and raising awareness about issues affecting marginalized and vulnerable groups are crucial for fostering greater youth involvement in the life of their communities.
According to the Croatian Register of Persons with Disabilities (2021), there are 1,794 people with speech and communication impairments and 273 individuals with autism spectrum disorders in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PGŽ). In the same year, 2,870 decisions were issued on appropriate forms of schooling, with speech and communication impairments being among the most common reasons for needing specialized educational support.
The right to communication, as outlined in the Charter on Communication Rights, is a fundamental human right. Successful communication is essential for everyone. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are integrated methods that include symbols, tools, strategies, and techniques designed to support individuals with permanent mental and/or physical disabilities in enhancing their communication abilities (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 1991). Communication boards, as part of AAC systems, are organized pragmatically to facilitate interaction and play among children, tailored to their specific needs and abilities (UNICEF, 2020).
In response to the identified needs—both the insufficient involvement of youth and the lack of integration for children with developmental challenges into the community—this project aims to enhance social participation of young people, with and without disabilities, through civic education and concrete examples. The goal is to implement the knowledge gained into the local community, including schools and public spaces, to promote collective sensitivity and equal societal inclusion.
The initiative aimed to engage young people in promoting democracy, advocacy, and decision-making while strengthening their role in supporting vulnerable groups. A total of 29 students from the 7th and 8th grades of Osnovna škola Centar, consisting of 6 boys and 23 girls, actively participated in the project activities. One notable event was an extracurricular visit to the Autism Center on February 13, 2023, which marked the beginning of direct peer support for vulnerable groups. In the project''s second half, communication boards were set up, involving both Osnovna škola Centar students and their peers from the Autism Center as volunteers.
A key aspect of the project was the implementation of inclusive volunteering methods and the development of existing practices in Croatia, particularly concerning communication boards. This approach not only supports vulnerable groups but also enhances their social visibility. The active involvement of regular school students, alongside their peers with autism, fosters an inclusive environment and strengthens lasting connections among youth. All these activities contribute to the successful completion of the project, achieving its goals and positively impacting the community. Sustained support for vulnerable groups in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PGŽ) has been effectively realized through the installation of communication boards in public spaces and the execution of all project activities.
The initiative also fostered inter-sectoral collaboration and synergy through partnerships with two educational institutions and a civil society organization as the project leader. This collaboration has significantly advanced the development of a supportive environment, promoting civic engagement among children and enhancing social capital in the local community. By successfully connecting various organizations focused on children and youth, a network has been created that supports young people in actively participating in community life.
The inter-sectoral collaboration has proven essential for developing a stakeholder network of civil society organizations (CSOs), contributing added value to strengthening the capacities of staff for further organizational development. This cooperation has also facilitated connections between citizens, especially youth, and civil society organizations.
The Autism Center in Rijeka, a long-term partner of the organization, expanded its collaboration through the project''s activities. Notably, a new partnership with Osnovna škola Centar was established, enhancing the inclusion of regular schools in the project''s implementation. Thanks to this successful partnership, there are plans for ongoing collaboration with Osnovna škola Centar in future projects.
Teacher training in regular schools has had a direct impact on the inclusion of vulnerable groups in society, making it crucial for enhancing the community''s social capital. This partnership has already led to ongoing teacher training for working with children with developmental difficulties through a project funded by the ESF.
The project has supported education on civic and human rights and promoted human rights standards. Through activities outlined in the partnership agreement, staff from the applying organization participated in teaching civic education subjects within educational institutions. This engagement has raised awareness, sensitized, and recognized the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, fostering volunteerism, public advocacy, and active citizenship. The implementation of project activities into the school curriculum allowed students to develop their civic skills, enabling them to take on active roles in advocating for the needs of vulnerable groups in their local community.
Systematic support for vulnerable groups and their empowerment has been facilitated through the creation and installation of communication boards for augmented communication in public spaces and educational institutions. Five such boards have been produced and placed in various locations, including children''s playgrounds and the Autism Center in Rijeka, contributing to public advocacy for community needs. The innovative nature of these activities has garnered interest in continuing similar initiatives in the local community.
The experience gained from implementing this project is invaluable for developing new activities and ensuring sustained efforts in this area.
The project has significantly transformed the local community through several key aspects. Firstly, young people have become active participants in the democratic process, taking on roles in advocacy, decision-making, and supporting vulnerable groups. The visit to the Autism Center marked the beginning of direct engagement for youth in supporting their peers with autism, thereby promoting inclusivity and social visibility.
The project has had a profound impact on the lives of individuals with autism, providing them with tools for better communication through the installation of communication boards in public places. Thanks to the training provided to teachers and the established partnership with Osnovna škola Centar, students with autism attending this school are now experiencing significant improvements in acceptance by their peers. A key element contributing to this change is the installation of communication boards within the school. The acceptance of students with autism by their peers is not only a result of the physical presence of these boards but also a consequence of the teachers'' education on the importance of inclusivity and diversity. Teachers have played a crucial role in empowering all students, encouraging them to develop compassion and understanding toward their peers with autism.
The project has resulted in strong inter-sectoral partnerships between educational institutions and civil society organizations. The development of a supportive environment, harmonization of civil society development, and promotion of active citizenship have become fundamental changes. A stakeholder network of civil society organizations has been strengthened, contributing to the capacity building of staff for further development.
Notably, the partnership with Osnovna škola Centar, as mentioned earlier, has expanded the inclusion of regular schools in the implementation of project activities. Collaboration with the long-standing partner, the Autism Center in Rijeka, has also been enhanced through this project, improving support for vulnerable groups. All of this represents a foundation for future projects and ongoing collaboration, thereby strengthening the community''s social capital.
Ultimately, the installation of communication boards is not merely a technical solution but a symbol of the community''s openness, support, and inclusivity. It creates an environment where every child or individual, regardless of their specific needs, has the opportunity to be fully accepted and included. This transformation signifies a positive step toward a more equitable and understanding society, where diversity is embraced and valued.