Description
Project goal is to counteract social exclusion of the Deaf through provision of information and support, as well as through social inclusion and rehabilitation of the Deaf so that they can participate in the society. Project will benefit 800 people, who are either directly or indirectly affected by deafness. Project goals will be attained through continuous provision of comprehensive information and assistance in solving day-to-day problems, and through encouraging participants to become more active and self-reliant in decision-taking process. Project outcomes will include elimination of communication barriers, stimulation of social activity, greater personal resourcefulness of the Deaf, ability to perform social roles without assistance, as well as integration and a strong sense of identity among the Deaf who are dispersed. The project covers the area of Pomorskie voivodeship.
Summary of project results
"There are about 6,000 deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Pomeranian Voivodeship. Inability to communicate through speech creates problems in everyday life. In general, deaf people do not understand official documents and cannot provide required information about themselves. Their isolation is even bigger because the society lacks knowledge about the specificity of deafness as a kind of disability. Deaf people need help not only to communicate, but also to understand the essence of the vital issues, which need to be solved. The main goal of the project was to counteract social exclusion of deaf people through comprehensive assistance, information, teaching resourcefulness and animating social activities. The activities conducted have helped 823 deaf persons to overcome psychological barriers and to cope with difficult life situations. 100 deaf persons have managed to integrate and boost their self-confidence. Information and Advice Center was operating (8 hours every day, 2 employees). Most often it provided information (on the spot, via phone, via SMSs and through Skype) on the rights of people with disabilities, rehabilitation equipment, subsides, range of activities of other institutions supporting people with disabilities, etc. Deaf persons have obtained help in solving their official business through writing documents, making contact with institutions, and through participation of an assistant who accompanied them in offices and health centers (865 persons, 1,319 cases, including 102 issues of 42 persons with help of an assistant). Support groups (in total 168 meetings for about 100 persons) were run, and various interest groups functioned within them, such as: cinema fans, day room (games and activities), IT, hand knitting, book club, bridge club, dancing, arts and model-making. Lectures with discussions on topics crucial for the circle were held. Integration activities and exchange of experiences were conducted. About 900 persons with hearing difficulties and their families from Pomeranian Voivodeship have benefited from the activities."
Summary of bilateral results