Program: Erasmus+, KA210-YOU – Small-scale partnerships in youth (KA210-YOU)
Project leader: Equality NGO – North Macedonia
Duration: September 2024 – December 2025
Partners:
- Poland – Association Reflections on Europe
- Spain – AYUNTAMIENTO DE ALZIRA
Project Summary:
The project focuses on improving the quality of support for young people with disabilities by developing new working methods for professionals in the education, health, and social care sectors. Responding to the challenges of social integration and insufficient knowledge among specialists, the project partners will conduct national research, the results of which will be used to develop a practical handbook. Innovative methods will be tested during three camps, and the results of the activities will be presented in a documentary film and at an online conference. The project is in line with EU priorities on equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as the development of teachers’ competences and education based on students’ needs.
Project goals:
– Increasing the social integration of young people with disabilities.
– Strengthening the competences of educational staff in working with people with special needs.
– Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusive education in line with EU priorities.
Main activities:
- Conducting national research on the needs and challenges of people with disabilities
- Meetings in partner countries
- Developing a practical handbook for educational, medical, and social workers with functional working methods
- Producing a documentary film showing good practices and the effects of project activities
- Conducting an online conference on integration and inclusive education
1. Camp in North Macedonia
What does it really mean to support young people with disabilities?
There is no single answer—but there are places where you can look for those answers. Skopje turned out to be one of them.
Together with partners from North Macedonia and Spain, we took a close look at what everyday life is like for young people with disabilities—and what really helps them function better in society. Not just on paper, but in reality.
It was an important lesson. Meetings with people and institutions that work on a daily basis to promote accessibility, social inclusion, and the subjective treatment of young people with various challenges opened our eyes to many issues. We had the opportunity to see what good cooperation between non-governmental organizations, public administration, and the local community looks like.
We participated in the inFusion Social Inclusion Festival, where we discussed the accessibility of urban space and quality of life. We met with representatives of ministries and local organizations, such as Equality NGO, the KRIK Youth Activity Center, and the Doza Srekja Day Center for people with Down syndrome. These visits were not just a formality.
They were meetings with people full of passion, knowledge, and commitment. They are the ones who create solutions that really work. And thanks to their openness and kindness, we were able to not only learn, but also share our experiences from Poland.
2. Surveys for Young People and Professionals
Help us improve our collaboration!
We invite you to participate in two surveys conducted as part of the international project “I, YOU, WE, THEY, CAN,” which aims to improve support for young people with disabilities and special educational needs.
The project aims to gather experiences and opinions from both professionals and young people with disabilities (as well as their families/caregivers) to jointly create a practical Handbook for Professionals. It will be based on real-life situations, best practices, and expert knowledge, as well as support for creating more inclusive systems in Poland and across the European Union.
For professionals—teachers, special educators, therapists, psychologists, medical staff, social workers, and all those working with children and youth with disabilities or special educational needs (ages 8–28).
https://forms.gle/AoMHgyuZsc6GCrBd6
For young people (ages 8–28) with disabilities or special educational needs from North Macedonia, Poland, and Spain. The survey can be completed independently or with the help of a parent, guardian, or assistant
https://forms.gle/8ZzKtTcoRTCXreEH9
Your answers will help:
- improve how professionals understand and support young people,
- identify challenges and best practices in schools, hospitals, and social institutions,
- influence training programs and public policies, and support the creation of a more inclusive future across Europe
Your opinion matters—together, we can create a more inclusive future!
3. Visit to Spain
An international project meeting took place in Alzira, Spain, from September 16–18. The project aims to improve support for young people with disabilities and to exchange experiences with partners from other countries.
We began the first day with a visit to city hall, where we learned about the structure of the local government and its initiatives to support the community. We spoke with experts and staff from organizations working to promote the inclusion and support of children and youth with disabilities.
On the second day, we visited an elementary school with inclusive classes and a private therapeutic facility. During these visits, we learned about methods for working with students with special educational needs and approaches to implementing therapeutic programs.
The final day was dedicated to attending a conference at one of the technical universities in Valencia, where an innovative app designed to assist people with disabilities was presented. During the panel discussion, experts emphasized how crucial it is to support this social group and develop tools that make their daily lives easier.
This event was extremely valuable in terms of education and inspiration, providing us with new perspectives and ideas for future actions. We are glad that we could be part of this project and exchange experiences with specialists from various countries.
4. Visit to Poland
In early December, we hosted partners from North Macedonia and Spain as part of a project aimed at improving the quality of support for young people with disabilities and developing the skills of professionals working in the fields of education, health, and social services.
During several intensive days in Kielce, we met with city officials to discuss local social policy and initiatives targeting young people with disabilities. We visited, among others, the Community Self-Help Center, the Municipal Family Assistance Center, educational and care facilities, the Vocational Activity Center, and PSONI, where we learned about specific solutions and the daily practice of working with people with disabilities.
There were also meetings with non-governmental organizations, including the Caritas Volunteer Center, and discussions with representatives of advisory bodies working on behalf of people with disabilities. It was an opportunity to exchange experiences, share best practices, and view challenges from various perspectives.
5. Online Conference
Our final activity is coming up—an online conference during which we will summarize the entire project and present the resulting handbook for professionals working with youth with disabilities.
We would be delighted if you could join us on this day and share your feedback.
Date: Monday, March 23
Time: 1:00–3:00 PM
Registration: https://forms.gle/9LsbgekGA5QYj9vV8
A link to the conference will be sent to the email address provided in the form.
