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Description
There are approx. 100 deaf people living in the Mielec Municipality. 214 people are members of the Polish Association of the Deaf – Local Office in Mielec, most of them are aged over 60. Violence against people with disabilities and older people is a common phenomenon. Participation of these people in social life is low and their needs are marginalized. Data included in the research report ‘Domestic violence against older people and people with disabilities’ show that approx. 30% of respondents have experienced some form of violence. The evaluation of our previous projects shows that social activation and integration of deaf and ‘hard of hearing’ people, as well as activities developing their social competences are necessary. Barriers deaf people face, together with stereotypical thinking about them make them believe that they are not capable of developing their skills. Communication barriers cause isolation and closing in their own environment, where they can feel safe. This results in social exclusion of the deaf, as well as their reduced access to public services. However, our experience shows that by using different ways of communication we can overcome these barriers and create a local space for everyone to spend time together. Our project is aimed at people with disabilities, in particular deaf people. We will conduct therapeutic and developmental workshops for them and provide psychological support to help them develop various competences to improve their quality of life. Hearing children of deaf parents will be taught the Polish Sign Language. We will also carry out an educational campaign through which we will show the culture of deaf people to a wider audience. In cooperation with local NGOs, we will establish a ‘Coalition against Violence’.