This project aimed to develop intervention methodologies and strategies to promote the political participation of differently abled citizens, collaboratively created with them. Inspired by Martin-Baró (1986/2006) and Freire (1979), partners worked alongside people with disabilities, considering the socio-political factors influencing their personal experiences to drive social change. The specific aims were: 1. To raise awareness of the link between personal experiences of exclusion and broader socio-political structures. A European network (WP 2) of institutions supporting differently abled citizens was established to involve them in the project and promote awareness among youth and institutions. 2. To develop strategies for political advocacy and participation. An international working group (WP 3), including 2 differently abled citizens and 1 researcher from each partner organization, was created to develop a methodology for promoting political participation. 3. To empower participants for democratic engagement, fostering activism and advocacy groups. The project disseminated its results through resources for youth workers (WP 4), a policy paper (WP 5), and public events, aligned with the EU's Youth Strategy from 2022.
The project aimed to support young European citizens with disabilities in promoting their social and political participation on issues related to disability and ableism through activism. It sought to raise social awareness and empower differently abled individuals to voice their needs and influence policymaking. In the EU, 87 million people were estimated to have some form of disability, with only 50.8% employed, 28.4% at risk of poverty, and 52% feeling discriminated against. Disabilities remained linked to poverty and social exclusion. To promote inclusion, the EU adopted the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, aiming to ensure equal opportunities, access, and participation for all. The project emphasized the active engagement and empowerment of these communities to foster equal participation. It was inspired by critical participatory action research methodologies, which involve target groups in transforming their practices and experiences. The main focus was on empowering young people with disabilities and youth workers to challenge ableism and contribute to policymaking.