More information
Description
This project addresses the issue of vulnerability of people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) living in the West Śląsk Voivodship subregion, and their carers. We estimate that approximately two thousand families affected by this problem live in that area. There are no institutions or organizations specializing in supporting people with ASD and their families operating in this region. Parents are helpless and do not know their rights, especially in the period following a child’s diagnosis. Medical services do not provide any support or counselling in this respect. This project addresses the shortfall in specialist support for people with ASD and their families. We will open a consultation and advice centre (operating face-to-face and remotely). We will provide twelve people with ASD with training on operating in the public sphere (doctor’s appointments, going to government offices, using equipment, etc.), and workshops providing training for four people with ASD and four carers to be self-advocates (human rights, personal presentation, defining expectations and objectives, and public appearances). We will organize workshops on preventing stigmatization. We will create an autism support network and invite organizations, services, and institutions able to support families dealing with autism to join. We will issue an awareness and information pack. Primarily, this will increase awareness of 48 participants in stigmatization prevention workshops and personal skills of eight self-advocates, make twelve people with autism independent, and provide comprehensive advice for approximately 50 people, People with disabilities and those around them (parents, carers, CSO workers, potential employers) will participate - 140 people in the West Śląsk Voivodship subregion.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the problem of social exclusion of people on the autism spectrum (ASD) and their carers living in the western part of the Silesian province. It is estimated that the number of people with ASD in the sub-region is around 1.5-2 thousand. Each year, in each of the three districts, between a few dozen and about 100 certificates are issued for people on the spectrum. Meanwhile, the institutions that are supposed to provide support for people on the autism spectrum and their families have a very limited range of services and are not able to respond to the needs of all individuals. The project also addresses the issue of stigmatisation of people on the autism spectrum and people with disabilities, including by their immediate environment, which results in limited access to areas of life such as education, work, sport, leisure and culture.
As part of the project, an advice and guidance centre was set up, from which a total of 135 people benefited. Information was provided mainly on how to access benefits and allowances, available forms of support, respite care and assistance. A support group for parents of people with ASD was also set up. The project promoter developed a new training tool and then provided social skills training to 31 people on the autism spectrum. Up to 48 people (people with ASD and their carers) attended empowerment workshops to prepare them for their role as self-advocates. Inclusion and anti-stigma workshops were also organised for different age groups, including joint sports activities and workouts. The project also created a support network for people on the autism spectrum. Educational institutions and local government institutions that can support people on the spectrum and their families in the region were invited.
As a result, people on the autism spectrum developed their social and coping skills, and felt more independent and capable. Their families, especially their carers, were also strengthened. Those who used the advice centre or participated in the support group received appropriate help. The project''s services filled gaps in the public support system for people on the spectrum and their families.
.
.