Description
The project is aimed at people with intellectual disabilities, informing them about their rights and possibilities to get involved in decision-making, opportunities to involve in NGOs and development of their self-advocacy movement. Within the project, a methodology will be developed for social workers; training seminars for social workers and people with intellectual disabilities will take place. After the experience exchange trip, people with intellectual disabilities together with their support persons, will prepare photographic stories about the topic; People with intellectual disabilities in Latvia”. The project will improve integration of people with the CII diagnosis into civil and political processes, promote their participation in political processes (by expressing their opinion about draft laws dealing with the rights of the disabled) or in the societal processes. The project target group is people with intellectual disabilities and social workers. The project is implemented in collaboration with a Norwegian partner - The Foundation „Sound of Happiness Competence Centre”.
Summary of project results
The project was designed for people with intellectual disabilities to gain knowledge about their right to engage actively in decuison - making processes, opportunities to participate in non-govermental organizations and the development of Self advocacy movement in Latvia. The project participants disseminated ideas, knowledge which will help in their own life and show good practice. Developing strategy for Self advocacy movement in Latvia is the first step in order to continue the development of acitivities with a view to the future for making contacts with society in Latvia and Europe. Social workers involved in the project with their knowledge and skills will be a good example to other professionals and also will get snow ball effect. Also, the state policy towards the de-institutionalization is one of he solid foundations that will ensure the project relevance and durability. A traveling photo exhibition is also intended for long term opartion, asylum as many Latvian village. Experience trip to Sound of Happines in Norway what gave demonstrable experience of people with intellectual disabillities in the quality of life of good practice model. The traveling photo exhibition gives an inside view of these people inner world (alternative method of communication).
Summary of bilateral results
The foundation „Sound of Happiness Competence Centre” in Norway gave demonstrable experience of people with intellectual disabilities in the quality of life of good practice model, which became the basis for self-advocacy movement Latvia next 5year strategy.