The project pursued three main objectives: Inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities: We aimed to foster the active and meaningful participation of adults with cerebral palsy through an educational and productive activity. The goal was to develop their practical skills, increase their autonomy and self-esteem, and promote their visibility as valuable community members, contributing to a positive social image focused on their abilities. Promotion of environmental sustainability: We sought to introduce and train participants in the Kratky hydroponic cultivation method as an agricultural practice that uses resources efficiently (water and nutrients). The aim was to raise awareness among participants about sustainable food production techniques and foster their environmental consciousness. Creation of a replicable and transferable methodology: We aspired to systematize the entire experience, training, and adaptations carried out into an accessible and multilingual manual. The final objective was to enable any European organization working with people with disabilities to replicate the project, thereby ensuring its sustainability and impact beyond the initial project duration.
This project was requested to address two fundamental and interconnected needs: the social inclusion of people with cerebral palsy with high support needs and the promotion of sustainable and innovative agricultural practices. Through a participatory and accessible methodology, an intervention was designed that not only provided technical training but also generated real opportunities for empowerment, autonomy, and social recognition for a group often excluded from educational and productive activities. By implementing the Kratky hydroponic method, 90 adults with disabilities were trained in adapted cultivation techniques. This training allowed participants to develop technical skills, basic digital competencies, and greater personal autonomy, while also fostering their environmental awareness. Furthermore, the project facilitated structured spaces for community interaction – such as workshops, open house days, and a final event – which significantly improved the visibility, social participation, and positive image of people with disabilities in their local environment.