The main objective of the project was to improve the quality of life and social inclusion of people with disabilities by promoting the use of assistive technologies and innovative care models. We aimed to enhance the skills and competences of social workers, carers, and families to introduce and effectively use assistive technologies, fostering greater autonomy and self-determination among disabled individuals. We wanted to raise awareness about the opportunities offered by digital tools, reduce stigma, and encourage a shift towards more inclusive, human-centered services. By exchanging best practices at the European level, we sought to create a shared knowledge base, develop an open-source toolkit for professional training, and build a sustainable network for future collaboration. Ultimately, the project aimed to initiate a process of social innovation, empowering disabled individuals and their support networks, while strengthening the capacity of our organizations to deliver more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable services.
We applied for this project to address the urgent need to improve the quality of life, autonomy, and social inclusion of people with intellectual, physical, sensory, and mental disabilities, who are often at risk of social marginalization. Across our organisations and communities, we observed a critical lack of awareness, knowledge, and access to assistive technologies, which could greatly enhance independence and participation in daily life. There was also a skills gap among social workers, carers, and families regarding the effective introduction and use of such technologies. Furthermore, stigma and fragmented information systems discouraged the adoption of innovative solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these gaps even more, showing the fragility of health and social care systems and the urgent need for digital transformation. Through this project, we aimed to promote a rights-based, user-centered approach, build skills, raise awareness, and foster social innovation by sharing best practices, developing a toolkit, and strengthening cooperation among European peers.