The project aimed to achieve three interconnected objectives. First, to increase the quality of the work and practices of the organizations involved by providing learning opportunities to support families and adults with intellectual disabilities in the separation process that results from deinstitutionalization. Second, to support the inclusion of adults with intellectual disabilities and their families by easing the transition of PIDs from family environments into community settings, thereby strengthening their autonomy and participation in society. Third, to improve the cooperation among Europe-based organizations in addressing common needs and priorities related to ensuring an independent and decent living for adults with intellectual disabilities. In particular, the goal was to establish strong, structured, and lasting cooperation among organisations from Slovenia and Italy, enabling them to jointly address common needs, exchange good practices, and build capacity for future international projects.
The partners applied for this project because they identified a shared and urgent need: adults with intellectual disabilities and their families lacked structured support during the emotionally and practically challenging separation process that accompanies deinstitutionalisation. Families, PIDs, and staff were often unprepared for the transition from family care to community living or day centre participation. COVID 19 further intensified these challenges, as many struggled to re enter group activities after long isolation. Organisations also lacked professional tools, psychological guidance, and opportunities to exchange practices across borders. The project responded to these gaps by aiming to strengthen staff capacities, support families, and create a structured, compassionate approach to separation—while building long term international cooperation among organisations facing similar needs.