Description
The project aims to develop social services for people with intellectual and associated disabilities using a new method in Romania – Gentle Teaching through the following specific objectives: 1. Develop five nongovernmental organizations’ capacity to offer adapted social services for people with intellectual and associated disabilities through training and using a new method – Gentle Teaching and 2. Raising awareness among the parents, specialists, professors, volunteers, general public regarding the integration in the community of the persons with intellectual and associated disabilities. Direct beneficiaries: The staff involved in the social and educational services of the children and young adults with intellectual and associated disabilities; The children and young adults with disabilities receiving the services using the Gentle Teaching method – at least 30 beneficiaries (6 beneficiaries/organization); The specialists, parents, volunteers working with children and young adults with disabilities – 60 persons at Special Olympics National Games and 90 persons at Special Olympics Regional Games.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the issue of limited specialised training available for professionals working with people with disabilities. Within the project, Motivation Romania Foundation contributed to the development of services dedicated to persons with disabilities by introducing a working method used successfully in other countries - the Gentle Teaching approach. 10 specialists from five organisations were trained to use this method in their work. 30 of their beneficiaries were included in the programme, and benefited of the new approach. The evaluation of the beneficiaries, performed after six months, showed a positive evolution. The specialists trained in the project and also their colleagues considered that, with perseverance, the implementation of the Gentle Teaching method will lead to significant results on improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. During the project, 4 more organisations have requested and received training on Gentle Teaching. A booklet with examples of good practices and case studies was developed based on the practice of Gentle Teaching approach.
Summary of bilateral results