ACTIVATE pursued the following main objectives: 1. To improve the digital skills and competencies of adults with disabilities to overcome the physical barriers that hinder their participation in the community. 2. To promote the active participation of adults with disabilities in their communities. 3. To guarantee their full participation in society on an equal basis with others. 4. To promote a satisfying social life and community participation for adults with disabilities. 5. To maintain the independence and improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities. 6. To provide professionals working with people with disabilities with tools to support their active social participation.
The ACTIVATE Project arose from the experience of people with functional diversity during the pandemic, with even more reduced mobility and few resources to be able to remain active in their communities. Several studies (such as Effects and consequences of the COVID19 crisis among people with disabilities, by Fundación ONCE) showed the great physical, psychological and emotional deterioration of this group, and the limited resources available to professionals to try to provide them with the necessary support. Although technologies were a great ally, the reality was that both people with disabilities and professionals lacked sufficient skills to be able to stay active in and through the digital world. The Project partners, who represent and provide services to people with functional diversity and their professionals, were direct witnesses of these needs, and therefore decided to contribute to meet them with new resources. ACTIVATE counted with the direct participation of the target groups in its execution, both in the design phase of the results (in-depth interviews) and in the development phase (with piloting and validation activities).