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Description
The families of children with disabilities face a precarious socio-economic situation (low standard of living, insufficient income), amplified by a complex range of problems (chronic diseases, mental health, addiction), do not have access to complementary therapy services. The Health Insurance House offers 21 days / year and a limited range of therapies. In Ploiesti there are many children with special needs. Existing public centers cannot cover the large number of requests. Through this project the applicant will provide for 35 children and 15 young people with disabilities a personalized therapeutic program contributing to their functional and psychological recovery for their social integration in the community, the development of social skills, so that the way of life and relationships to improve them. The project has the following objectives: Objective 1- Creating a space dedicated to therapies; Objective 2 Effective development of therapies. Objective 3-Mobilize the 15 young people in advocacy actions, a round table organized with a multistakeholder approach to connect with public authorities to ask them to develop the services they need. Organizational development objective aims at the sustainable development of the organization by creating a fundraising strategy, initiated through an organized course, followed by the effective implementation of a fundarsing campaign to diversify the financial resources of the organization. children and young people with disabilities, fundraising, informing public opinion and state institutions on the problems faced by parents of children and young people with disabilities. A network of Natworking and other NGOs will be created to work together and address decision-making institutions for solving the problems of children and young people with disabilities.
Summary of project results
The "Smile and Hope Project," implemented from September 1, 2022, to February 29, 2024, was initiated to address the critical needs of vulnerable children and young people with disabilities. This population often lacks access to essential therapies due to financial constraints. The project aimed to provide these individuals with the necessary therapeutic interventions to improve their mental and physical health, ultimately helping them achieve greater independence and better integration into society.
During the 18-month project period, comprehensive therapy services were ărovided to 50 young people with disabilities. The therapies included behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), physical therapy, and therapeutic massage. These sessions were conducted in specially designed therapy spaces.
The therapies provided led to notable improvements in both mental and physical conditions, contributing to a better quality of life for the beneficiaries. The project also had a profound impact on the families of these children, as the therapies provided a much-needed support system and relief. Even more, this project serves as a model for future initiatives, highlighting the importance of supporting vulnerable populations and the positive ripple effects such support can have on the broader community.