The objective of this initiative was to equip youth workers who engaged with young people with mobility disabilities with a new method to better understand their needs and opinions on various issues. It aimed to conduct research that deepened the understanding of these young people’s needs and aspirations, ultimately promoting their inclusion in youth work. The project also provided youth leaders with mobility disabilities the opportunity to actively participate in the research process, gaining valuable and practical life skills. They were co-researchers who also contributed to the interpretation and analysis of data, including identifying key themes and insights from the obtained material. It sought to identify stereotypes that hindered the inclusion of these young individuals in youth activities, highlighted good practice examples from partner organizations in various countries, and developed recommendations for youth workers to challenge these stereotypes and enhance their work with young people with mobility disabilities. In parallel, the project also aimed to build the capacity of the participating NGOs, enabling them to continue working with inclusive youth methods in future projects, including Erasmus+ initiatives.
In the EU, approximately 3.9 million young people aged 16–24 live with a disability, representing around 8.8 % of that age group (Eurostat, 2023). Given the lack of specific data for young people with mobility disabilities, it was inferred from practical experience that their participation rates in higher education, public events, and other areas were low. By empowering organizations to develop tailored approaches and support systems, society could become more inclusive and accepting. For the young people themselves, projects like ours offer new opportunities and a renewed sense of possibility. This project represented a valuable opportunity to strengthen the capacities of our organizations, deepen our expertise in working with youth with mobility disabilities, and contribute to building a more inclusive society. Furthermore, we aimed to inspire and support youth leaders with disabilities to advocate for their rights and participate actively in mobility programs and decision-making processes. Implementing this project at the international level enhanced our impact through increased collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the ability to address shared challenges.