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Inclusive Horizons

2024-3-MT01-KA153-YOU-0002691222024Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: MT|CZ|EL|ES|SI|EE|PT · Grant: €16,630
Inclusion of marginalised young peopleQuality and innovation of youth workDisabilities

Objectives

We were motivated to carry out this project on disability inclusion due to the pressing need to address the exclusion that young people with disabilities continued to experience across Malta and Europe. Despite advancements in legal frameworks, societal attitudes, and policies aimed at promoting inclusion, many young people with disabilities still faced significant barriers. This situation was highlighted in the research paper carried out by the Faculty for Well-being at the University of Malta, “Disability Service Provision and Persons with Disability” (2021). The research demonstrated that these barriers ranged from physical inaccessibility and reduced educational opportunities to a lack of understanding and awareness among individuals working with young people regarding how to respond to such situations and how to work effectively with young people with disabilities. Through research conducted among our youth workers, we found that many leaders felt insufficiently informed on the topic of disability inclusion. Through this project, we aimed to equip them with the necessary skills, awareness, and confidence to design and implement inclusive programmes where everyone could fully participate. The project sought not only to raise awareness but also to provide practical solutions that could be applied immediately within our organisation and our partners’ youth organisations. Training more staff in disability inclusion contributed to more equitable and accessible youth programmes, allowing all adolescents, regardless of ability, to engage fully and meaningfully in community and educational activities. This, in turn, supported youth groups and youth centres in offering more inclusive activities. The project centred on delivering a training that equipped people working with young people with the knowledge, tools, and methodologies needed to promote disability inclusion in their work. The training combined theoretical frameworks, real-world case studies, and hands-on practice, ensuring that participants developed both a deep understanding and practical competence in creating and sustaining inclusive environments. Objectives To empower people working with young people with practical skills for disability inclusion: The main objective of the project was to provide participants with practical, hands-on skills in disability inclusion that could be immediately applied in their work. These skills included the use of inclusive language, understanding the diverse needs of young people with different types of disabilities (physical, sensory, intellectual, and invisible), and adapting environments to ensure accessibility. Participants learned how to design workshops, activities, and inclusive projects that catered to diverse abilities without compromising the quality of engagement for any participants. To raise awareness of the barriers faced by young people with disabilities: A key component of the project was raising awareness among participants about the specific challenges faced by young people with disabilities in various aspects of their lives. These challenges were not only physical but also societal, including prejudice, social isolation, and limited opportunities. The training provided insight into how people working with young people could actively break down these barriers, fostering empathy and promoting an inclusive mindset. To promote non-formal education techniques for inclusion: The project aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to use non-formal education methods adapted for working with young people with disabilities. Non-formal education is central to youth work in Europe, as it encourages learning outside traditional classroom settings and is highly adaptable and accessible. Many commonly used tools, such as group activities, workshops, role plays, and creative tasks, required only minor adjustments to become more inclusive. Participants were shown how to make these adaptations in practice. To foster multicultural and inclusive collaboration: The project recognised the strong link between disability inclusion and cultural diversity, particularly in an increasingly multicultural Europe. By bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, the project promoted cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. Participants learned that disability inclusion must be adapted to cultural contexts and individual needs, gaining valuable experience in applying inclusive practices in diverse environments. To create sustainable change and long-term impact: The project aimed to create lasting change in how participants approached disability inclusion through a “train-the-trainer” model. Participants were empowered to implement the methods learned and share their knowledge with colleagues and peers, creating a multiplier effect that extended beyond the initial group. This approach ensured the long-term relevance and sustainability of the project’s outcomes.

Project partners (7)