More information
Description
Adults with intellectual disabilities need support and training on self-reliance. In the Węgorzewski poviat there are no social integration clubs. In turn, facilities that provide 24-hour care for people with disabilities are located in remoted towns. The few personnel at the facilities do not provide sufficient care, and the program supporting people with intellectual disabilities cannot be expanded. In the neighbouring poviats, there are also no support or training residences. The project addresses the problem of inadequate support for people with intellectual disabilities in the Węgorzewski poviat. We intend to create an independent training residence (conversion of loft space) for two people, an exercise hall open all year round (conversion of ground-level premises) and a place for integration/outdoor and sports events (awning and barbecue, an outdoor gymnasium in the garden). The hall and the garden will also be available to the local community. We intend to promote on a broad scale the idea of assisted residences among local CSOs, local government authorities in the area, and schools of secondary and higher level (training and information and promotion). Following resident acceptance, our coaches and therapists will conduct daily training on cuisine, hygiene, finance, social issues, how to deal with difficult situations, etc. The participants in the project will be adults with intellectual disabilities. As a result, 33 people with intellectual disabilities will improve their self-confidence, learn to deal with various situations that arise in life, become aware of their potential, and improve their self-esteem. The project will also result in integration with the local community.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the problem of inadequate support for people with intellectual disabilities in the County of Węgorzewo. Approximately 4,500 adults with intellectual disabilities are diagnosed annually in the Warminsko-Mazurskie voivodeship. These people very often live with their parents or guardians and after the death of their parents are usually placed in institutions, which accommodate from several dozen to several hundred people and where they can count on only basic care. The existing base in the voivodeship is about 800 day care places and about 4 000 day care places. In addition, there are no social integration clubs in Węgorzewo County - the closest one is in Kętrzyn; facilities providing 24-hour care for people with disabilities are located in Reszel - 60 km from Węgorzewo, and the closest sheltered housing is in Olecko and is only for people from that county.
As part of the project, an independent training apartment, a year-round exercise room and a place for integration and outdoor sports events were created. Two people with intellectual disabilities lived in the flat. Various workshops and meetings were held at the Project Promoter''s premises, including exercise classes, wickerwork, art classes, etc. The Project Promoter''s clients also participated in outreach, cultural and sporting events. The Project Promoter reached out to local authorities, schools, village councils and farmers'' groups with information about the problems of adults with intellectual disabilities.
Adults with intellectual disabilities were the first to benefit from the project. They have increased their self-confidence, coping skills and awareness of the resources they have in different life situations. The local community also broadened its knowledge of the lives and problems of people with intellectual disabilities. It has also been possible to promote the idea of assisted housing locally.