More information
Description
The objective of the project is to promote civic activity and participation in the policy-making process, as well as to improve the public understanding of the role of equality of children with functional impairments in the development of democracy.
Target group: children with functional impairments and their families, as well as Latvian society in general and anyone who cares about the objectives of the project and would like to take action for social justice and better community.
The Project activities:
- Survey of parents “The reality of accessibility of technical aids in Latvia”, “I''m in the community”
- A series of Think Tank discussions “Let’s find a solution”
- A podcast series “Equal opportunities for everyone”
- Joint Technical Aids Reform Plan for 2024 – 2027, developed by parties involved in the project implementation, that will assess the current situation and describe identified problems related to technical aids, as well as propose options for further action and set achievable results.
- Campaign: "Parents as defenders for their children"
- International conference “Children with mobility impairments as an equal part of society"
The outcome of the project: improved public understanding of challenges facing children with functional impairments and importance of equality in daily quality of life, as well as increased overall awareness of inclusive approaches in a democratic society. The project will contribute to the protection of public interests in this particular social sphere, strengthening democratic values laid down in the Satversme (Constitution) and implementation of human rights in Latvia. Technical Assistive Devices Reform Plan for 2024-2027 has been developed.
Summary of project results
Statistical data indicated that the number of children with disabilities was unchanged or even increased. There was no financial support available in Latvia that would cover all the costs of technical aids necessary for a child and individually manufactured, and it was also not possible to purchase all the technical aids necessary for a child with mobility impairments in Latvia. A solution needed to be found to ensure state support for these children, creating equal opportunities for every child with mobility impairments in Latvia to receive accessible high-quality technical aids and rehabilitation, which are so important for improving the child''s quality of life and inclusion in society. Since the circle of recipients of technical aids is mainly made up of socially disadvantaged groups of the population, their unavailability hinders the integration of these persons into education, employment, society or completely deprives them of the opportunity to function independently.
1. Surveys for parents whose children have mobility impairments: “The reality of technical aids in Latvia”, “EU society”: two online surveys were conducted, the aim of which was to identify the current situation and find out what the costs are for child healthcare services, as well as aspects of the child and family''s integration into society. The responses to the surveys were compiled and analyzed, and the data were used in materials for organizing discussions and think tanks, as well as in the work on the Technical Aids System Improvement and Recommendations Plan - for ensuring the development and inclusion of children with mobility impairments in society for 2024-2027.
2. Discussion and think tank cycle: “Finding a solution”: 4 discussions with specialists (service providers who prepare technical aids, both Latvian and foreign specialists) with the aim of obtaining information about high-quality technical aids and the problems faced by service providers in Latvia, as well as understanding and learning from the experience of other countries, 4 think tanks with parents about the availability of technical aids, existing difficulties/complications in obtaining them, perspectives for the development of accessibility, 6 discussions with decision-makers. The result was analytical material, which will be further used in the development of the Technical Aids Reform Plan for 2024-2027.
3. Podcast cycle: “Equal opportunities for all” (4 broadcasts) with the aim of educating the public and promoting understanding of the inclusion of children with mobility disabilities in society and their equal rights to obtain high-quality and accessible support and services.
4. Technical Assistive Devices Reform Plan for 2024-2027: the results of parent surveys, discussions and think tanks allowed the preparation and provision of a data- and evidence-based plan - how to ensure state funding for technical aids, so that parents whose children have mobility disabilities can ensure an improvement in the child''s quality of life and do not have to ask for public financial support to obtain technical aids.
5. Campaign "Parents as Advocates for Their Children" with the aim of informing the public about the vulnerable group (children with mobility disabilities) as part of a democratic society, raising issues and promoting public involvement in solving these issues, and understanding the importance of these issues in a democratic country. The campaign consisted of two parts: three broadcasts and the campaign website and social media.
6. International conference “Children with mobility impairments as an equal part of society”: with the aim not only to inform the general public about the progress and achievements of the project, but also to promote systemic changes – to invite decision-makers to recognize the importance of technical aids for children with mobility impairments in shaping their quality of life and to find solutions to their problems in policy-making and implementation. The target audience of the conference was industry professionals, decision-makers, families with children with mobility impairments.
-The project facilitated the involvement of various groups, including specialists, decision-makers, and parents of children with mobility impairments, in civic activities and decision-making processes. More than 50 participants contributed to the successful implementation of project activities. For example, children and their parents took part in an inclusive education and environment campaign and participated in surveys. Additionally, parents, specialists, and decision-makers engaged in workshops and discussions addressing issues related to technical aids and their solutions.
-As part of the project, the document titled "Plan for Improving the Technical Aid System and Recommendations for Ensuring the Development and Inclusion of Children with Mobility Impairments in Society for 2024–2027" was developed and submitted to the responsible ministries and other relevant institutions, as well as shared with the general public. The plan was sent to the Minister of Welfare, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development.
Overall, the project contributed to greater public understanding of children with mobility impairments, the challenges related to technical aids, and the solutions necessary to address these issues.