"Empowering life"

The project partners (Lithuania, Iceland, Belgium) aimed to share good practices and to rethink methods such as the organisation of group activities and the use of technology to improve communicat...

The project partners (Lithuania, Iceland, Belgium) aimed to share good practices and to rethink methods such as the organisation of group activities and the use of technology to improve communication skills of people with disabilities. The main goal of the project was to increase the integration of people with disabilities into society. The main tasks of the project were: - To share and improve methodologies to help people with disabilities to develop self-awareness, social skills and understanding of their value; -to enable persons with disabilities to develop not only their needs, capabilities and full participation in the community, but also to learn from the experience of other countries; - improve the competences of staff working with people with disabilities, creating better employability; - collaborate with and share effective approaches with other countries; - Promote the integration of persons with disabilities through various methods of communication, such as group communication, communication through technology, promoting integration through various activities, etc..

During the project, we carried out several key activities to ensure its successful implementation. Project management in Lithuania, Iceland, and Belgium facilitated effective planning, control, and communication with partners. Transnational meetings introduced innovative methodologies: in Iceland, "Communicator 5" and "Eye Gaze" improved communication and independence for persons with disabilities, while Belgium focused on "Assistive Technology" and Personalised Communication Books" for thought expression and overcoming segregation. Lithuania highlighted teamwork methodologies to foster integration. Social inclusion activities followed each transnational meeting to consolidate knowledge and involve more participants. These sessions allowed practical testing of methods, promoting social skills and communication. Employees shared insights with colleagues, enhancing team expertise and work quality. Inclusion activities in Iceland, Belgium, and Lithuania emphasized theoretical and practical training to develop independence and cooperation skills. Publicity efforts ensured broad awareness of project outcomes through virtual platform, flyers, and method book, inspiring further initiatives and collaboration.

The project aimed to reduce social isolation, promote the active participation of people with disabilities in social activities, ensure equal opportunities, and improve their quality of life. Communication methodologies such as "Communicator 5," "EyeGaze," “Personalized communication books”, group work, and "Mind Express" were introduced to help individuals with disabilities adapt technologies to their needs, enhance communication, encourage social integration, and feel like valued members of society. A methodological guide presented in an accessible format, ensured the availability of these methods.The project improved participants' emotional well-being and reduced social exclusion. Participants and staff explored the social systems of Iceland, Belgium, and Lithuania, which helped enhance work quality. Employees gained new skills, strengthened teamwork, and improved collaboration between organizations. Increased motivation among clients to try new communication methods and greater community awareness of alternative tools were observed.The Jonava district people with disabilities activity center noted significant changes—rarely used communication technologies improved service quality and boosted staff competencies.