2024

In preparation for the upcoming Christmas Bazaar at the residential home in Oberursel Bommersheim, organization IB, based in Germany, is once again showcasing the creativity and talents of its clients. Known for their dedication to supporting adults with intellectual disabilities, the organization focuses on fostering individual abilities and encouraging collaboration in artistic projects.

One of the highlights this year is a unique activity led by Harry Rauch, a client of IB, and his assistant, Thomas Vollweiler. Together, they are creating beautiful mosaic-decorated Christmas balls that will be featured at the bazaar.

Harry plays a key role in this creative process, carefully applying glue to each mosaic stone. Once prepared, Thomas steps in to place the stones, transforming simple ornaments into vibrant pieces of art. This collaborative effort not only produces stunning decorations but also demonstrates the value of teamwork and inclusion.

The Christmas Bazaar at Oberursel Bommersheim has long been a cherished tradition, providing an opportunity for residents, staff, and the community to come together, celebrate, and support meaningful initiatives. This year’s event promises to be no exception, with Harry and Thomas’s mosaic creations adding a unique and personal touch to the festive offerings.

As the holiday season approaches, the dedication of individuals like Harry and the support of organizations such as IB remind us all of the importance of inclusion, creativity, and community spirit.

Christine Halas, IB, Germany

The "Green Campaign" has raised awareness of Cerebral Palsy in Turkey

18 November, 2024

Cerebral Palsy Turkey / Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey engaged in a “green campaign” for World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6, 2024. This campaign, now in its sixth year, aimed to raise awareness about Cerebral Palsy through various innovative and impactful activities.

The campaign achieved extensive outreach by sending emails to 50,000 people, SMS messages to parents, and sharing 18 social media posts. Collaborations with NGOs, corporate companies, municipalities, and celebrities further amplified the message. The organization’s Instagram followers increased. Five reel videos garnered 106,246 views, and story interactions were significant, with one story receiving 54 interactions and another 1,809 views.

High-profile Turkish celebrities such as Hadise, Şah Yaycı, Tülin Özen, Akasya Asıltürkmen, and Uğur Aslan supported the campaign by wearing green and sharing posts. The total in-kind donation from these posts amounted to 1,835,000 TL. About 30 brands, including Turkish Philanthropy Funds and Doğuş University, shared campaign stories, reaching a combined follower base of 6 million people. The hashtag #milyonlarcanedenvar saw over 582 user posts, significantly boosting online engagement.

A Cerebral Palsy Awareness Run was organized in collaboration with the Turkish Jockey Club, and children with Cerebral Palsy were featured on the popular TV show Güldür Güldür. The campaign received substantial media attention, with posts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn reaching hundreds of thousands of people. Press and radio coverage further extended the campaign’s reach.

Overall, the campaign successfully raised awareness about Cerebral Palsy, engaged a broad audience, and demonstrated our commitment to serve children with cerebral palsy.

Deniz Zerin, Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey, Turkey

Medis 5’s Creative Journey: Inspiring through Animation and Theatre

13 November, 2024

Medis 5, an innovative organization in Stockholm, Sweden, is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through creative projects. This year, they’re bringing an exciting new initiative to life with The Hummingbird, a stage performance and animated film inspired by a South American fable. The story of The Hummingbird beautifully illustrates the power of giving your best, no matter how small or limited you may feel—just like a hummingbird, every effort counts.

In this project, Medis 5 participants are diving into animation and performance art, showcasing both their strong skills and boundless creativity. Sam, for instance, is animating a bat, while Weronika and Micke have each contributed their own unique animations to the production. Their commitment and artistry bring this inspiring tale to life in a truly special way, reflecting the importance of inclusion and the richness of diverse talents.

Previously, Medis 5 has tackled the theme of discrimination, raising awareness and promoting acceptance. Their latest project, The Hummingbird, continues this legacy, encouraging audiences to reflect on resilience, contribution, and the impact of each individual’s actions. We look forward to seeing how this production evolves and the messages it will share with audiences. Stay tuned!

Katarina Nord, Medis5, Sweden

ESTIA’s GINA Project Experience

12 November, 2024

We are delighted to share our recent experience as part of the GINA (Green INclusive Academy) project, which brought ESTIA’s beneficiaries and staff to Bad Homburg, Germany. This week-long training was much more than an educational opportunity—it became an unforgettable journey of discovery, connection, and inclusion.

Participating in GINA allowed us to learn about sustainability and eco-conscious practices in a hands-on way, but it also offered us the chance to connect deeply with others across Europe. Our beneficiaries returned home filled with pride, stories, and new friendships, excited to share their memories, photos, and experiences with friends and peers in Greece. Through this journey, they gained confidence, broadened their perspectives, and felt a genuine sense of belonging within a larger, supportive community.

The GINA project fostered not only learning but also joy, acceptance, and inclusion. This was a space where everyone was welcomed and encouraged to actively participate, regardless of background or abilities. Our participants embraced the opportunity to explore new places, overcome challenges, and interact with diverse individuals from different cultures. The warmth and camaraderie they experienced made this journey meaningful and memorable, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Thank you, Caravan2000, for creating and supporting initiatives like GINA that open doors to learning, connection, and growth for all. We look forward to being part of future projects, continuing to share knowledge, promote inclusion, and bring joy and new opportunities to our beneficiaries and community.

Maria Moskofidou, ESTIA, Greece

Water Marathon 2024

12 November, 2024

We are excited to share a recap of the "Water Marathon 2024 – Swimming with your Heart, is Making a Difference," which took place on last October at the Athletic Olympic Center of Athens (OAKA). This unique event gathered an inspiring and diverse community, all coming together to support ESTIA’s mission of inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunity for all.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this marathon was the focus on inclusion, as people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds took part, including ESTIA’s own beneficiaries. The atmosphere was filled with joy and determination, as everyone, from beginners to experienced swimmers, helped reach and pass our goal of 42 kilometers, ultimately covering an astounding 275 kilometers!

This event also celebrated the grand opening of OAKA’s new fully accessible pool, built specifically to accommodate individuals with disabilities. ESTIA’s beneficiaries took pride in showcasing their skills in a memorable Aqua Aerobics performance.

The success of Water Marathon 2024 was the result of the efforts of a vast network of sponsors, community partners, and dedicated volunteers, and of course ESTIA’s staff and friends who worked tirelessly to make this celebration of inclusion possible.

To everyone who swam, especially our beneficiaries, thank you for making this day an unforgettable example of unity, inclusion, and shared purpose. We look forward to creating many more such moments of impact together!

Maria Moskofidou, ESTIA, Greece

Kindness Changes the World

30 October, 2024

In April 2022, a young man named Daugvydas traveled from Lithuania to Oberursel, Germany. He had booked a stay at a newly opened hotel, O&O, run by a warm-hearted woman named Birsen. From the moment he arrived, Birsen went above and beyond to make Daugvydas feel welcome. Her kindness left a deep impression on him. Before he departed, he wanted to show his gratitude in a simple but meaningful way. So, he bought her flowers and left a heartfelt note – a small gesture that spoke volumes.

Two years later, in October 2024, Daugvydas’s assistant returned to the same hotel. Birsen instantly recognized her. Though she met countless new faces every day, she remembered Daugvydas, the young man from Lithuania with Down syndrome. His kindness had left an unforgettable mark on her heart, a memory that had stayed with her through time.

The moral of this story is simple yet profound: kindness and recognition have the power to change the world. A single act of compassion can ripple across time and space, leaving connections that last forever. In a world so often divided, kindness has the power to heal, and stop the flames of anger and resentment. Let us all remember to choose kindness—to one another and to ourselves. Small things, like a kind word or a thoughtful gesture, can make our world a better place.

Lina Trebienė, JDC, Lithuania

Opening of a new center in earthquake-hit city of Hatay

08 October, 2024

Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey (SCFT) is delighted to have inaugurated the Neşe Özgür & Mustafa Sabuncuoğlu Disability Service Center, which we have dedicated to the service of disabled individuals, children, and their families in the earthquake-torn city of Hatay. The opening ceremony took place on September 18th, with the participation of the Governor of Hatay, a Member of Parliament, Metropolitan Mayor, Rector of Mustafa Kemal University, and representatives of NGOs, academics, members of the press, and families and children we serve to.

At the new center, whose construction foundations were laid on December 20, 2023, and which started providing consultation and session services as of April 16, 2024, we offer physiotherapy and psychological counseling support to all special needs individuals, especially those with Cerebral Palsy, as well as to amputee children and adults who have undergone prosthetic applications.

Following orthopedic consultations conducted by members of SCFT’s Academic Board and specialist doctors in their fields, we manage the surgical processes of individuals who are decided to undergo surgery, and provide medical equipment assistance if needed.

Deniz Zerin, Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey, Turkey

Promoting Inclusion and Sustainability: Kara Bobowski’s Initiatives in Italy

08 October, 2024

Kara Bobowski, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, has been at the forefront of fostering community integration and promoting sustainability through innovative projects. The organization has launched several impactful initiatives that showcase their commitment to social inclusion and environmental responsibility.

EDIKART La Coccinella: A Community Kiosk with a Social Purpose

In September, Kara Bobowski reopened a key service for the village of Tredozio—EDIKART La Coccinella, a kiosk and stationary shop. The previous kiosk had been a cornerstone of the community but closed after the devastating earthquake that damaged the town center, coupled with the retirement of the previous owner. In response, Kara Bobowski transformed the kiosk into a working center for people with disabilities.

Here, participants not only learn practical technical and digital skills, but also improve their communication and relational abilities, all under the guidance of educators and the former kiosk owner, who now volunteers her time. The project has been warmly received by the local community, bringing new life to the village and offering valuable services in a community facing depopulation.

GREEN CARPET: Sustainability and Inclusion Through Fashion

In another project, Kara Bobowski engaged people with disabilities (PWIDs), volunteers, and 80 secondary school students from Modigliana and Tredozio in a local initiative called GREEN CARPET. This project tackled the issue of "Fast Fashion vs. Sustainable Fashion" and aimed to raise awareness about sustainability while promoting inclusion.

Through meetings at schools and visits to Kara Bobowski’s services—including a second-hand clothes shop, the La Coccinella workstation where handcraft products are made from recycled materials, and a greenhouse—participants learned about sustainable practices. The project culminated in a fashion show during the end-of-school celebration, where participants modeled second-hand and recycled clothing. Roles were assigned based on the interests and skills of the students, who took on responsibilities as models, hairdressers, makeup artists, speakers, and more. The event showcased the themes of inclusion, uniqueness, and sustainability, with contributions from short-term volunteers from JDC and PSONI.

International Mobility for Participants with Disabilities

In parallel with their participation in the PRIME project, Kara Bobowski has also facilitated international short-term mobility opportunities for participants with intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties. These mobilities have taken place in both VET and ESC fields, with participants gaining valuable experience in Malta (hosted by VisMedNet) and Lithuania (at JDC).

Elena Ciani, Kara Bobowski, Italy

Celebrating Creativity and Inclusivity: ESTIA's "Say it with a Poem" Project

09 September, 2024

As members of the CARAVAN2000 network, ESTIA is thrilled to share the success of the project, Say it with a Poem. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Culture, aimed to promote cultural accessibility for people with disabilities and brought together poetry, music, and visual arts in a unique celebration of creativity.

The project centers on seven original poems written by our talented trainees, showcasing their diverse voices and perspectives. Each poem is accompanied by original music composed by ESTIA’s musician, Dinetta Peppa, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the emotional impact of the words. Additionally, our Visual Arts Workshop trainees contributed artistic illustrations, visually interpreting the poems and adding depth to the overall experience.

The poems were professionally recorded and recited by other trainees, giving voice to the written words and deepening the emotional connection with the audience. This multifaceted project highlights the limitless power of creativity while emphasizing the importance of accessibility in the arts.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture’s program for universal accessibility, "Say it with a Poem" is a testament to the unifying power of artistic expression, celebrating inclusivity and the boundless potential of creativity.

Link for the E-BOOK

Maria Moskofidou, ESTIA, Greece

Different Sounds: Variety of Soundscapes

26 June, 2024

As part of a European project, we organized a music workshop called "Variety of Soundscapes" in Oberursel with the support of Aktion Mensch. Participants with and without disabilities from Germany, Poland, and Sweden took part.

The musicians had already performed in Gdansk and Stockholm, captivating audiences with the fusion of electronic sounds by the Sprak Orchestra (Sweden, Medis5), drums and percussions (Poland, PSONI), and vocals (Germany, IB Südwest gGmbH).

Since June 10th, the Swedish and Polish participants were our guests and rehearsed with our musicians at the Bad Homburg Youth Hostel for their concert performances.

On Friday, June 14th, the first concert of the "Different Sounds Orchestra" took place at the OBERURSELER WERKSTÄTTEN.

After a warm-up in the courtyard with recorded music, ice cream, and drinks, the workshop director Andreas Knoche welcomed almost 200 visitors who had come from Oberursel and the entire Hochtaunus district.

After a special thank you to the workshop's supporting association and our team for organizing the music workshop and performance, the trinational band started their one-hour concert.

In addition to catchy German songs, the inclusive music group impressed the audience with their instrumental pieces featuring drums, percussion, and saxophone. Following enthusiastic applause, two encores were, of course, included...❤️

On June 15th, "Different Sounds" participated in the first CSD (Christopher Street Day) in Bad Homburg and kicked off the stage program with their musical pieces. 🏳️‍🌈

During the colorful CSD parade through Bad Homburg, IB was represented by a small walking group that made its way to the Kurhaus, where over 500 people gathered to enjoy the musical program. All participants shared a common goal of standing against discrimination and exclusion - promoting inclusion, tolerance, diversity, and democracy.

Once again, there was much applause for "Different Sounds" and our message: "Our strength: A weakness for humanity – IB lives diversity!"

Supported by: Erasmus+ Aktion Mensch

More info: www.ib.de/Internationale-Arbeit-Suedwest

Christiane Lensch, IB, Germany

Fathers of children with cerebral palsy meet

19 June, 2024

Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey (TSÇV) organized a fun cohesion activity towards the parents of children with disabilities. This specific activity focused solely on fathers, whom we invited to gather in our center.

More than 20 fathers gathered, and engaged in fun activities. The activities matched that of the children on a regular day, including painting and ornamenting. The gathering allowed fathers to socialize and exchange experiences of living in a household with a disability.

Activity mixed fathers from varying levels of income, allowing the fathers to find solace and support across their immediate income and demographic groups.

Deniz Zerin, Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey, Turkey

New children’s books raise awareness about cerebral palsy

19 June, 2024

Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey (TSÇV) have published two new children’s book for raising awareness about Cerebral Palsy among elementary school students. With the books now in circulation, TSÇV aims to spark a positive change among elementary school students in their perception of and attitude towards cerebral palsy. To multiply this effect among the targeted readers, both books include illustrations and age-appropriate language.

The book “My Colors and Letters”, takes a girl with cerebral palsy as its protagonist and focus on her daily joys and concerns in her relations with her classmates. The other book, “Birthday at the Farm” takes another girl with cerebral palsy as its protagonist and focus on a day with her friends at a petting farm. Both books inform readers about the obstacles children with cerebral palsy experience in their activities. Books also introduce assistive devices, such as orthoses, and familiarize readers to their functions and the needs they address to. The books will serve TSÇV’s long-term target of familiarizing healthy children to children with cerebral palsy for the benefit of improved social interactions between two groups.

Two books are authored by members of the foundation’s academic committee, and illustrated by a medical professional using generative image AI tools. A local publishing house has printed and registered the books free of charge. TSÇV receives the revenue from the sales of the book as donation to cover cost of the rehabilitation services delivered to children from low-income families.

TSÇV sent copies of the book out to volunteering mother/childcare influencers, who promoted the books to increase awareness on cerebral palsy.

Deniz Zerin, Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey, Turkey

#IDforum2024: Advocate for Better and Meaningful Inclusion

18 June, 2024

Two teams from the Caravan 2000 network: Kara Bobowski (KB) and Jaunuoliu dienos centras (JDC), participated in the Inclusion and Diversity Forum, organized by SALTO, June 11-14, 2024, in Ostend, Belgium.

The ID Forum brought together 140 people from 39 countries to exchange expertise and practices and propose ideas to make the EU Youth programs more inclusive and accessible to all.

The Forum objectives:

- to learn from and exchange practices for advocating and lobbying for inclusion & diversity,

- to reflect on inclusion & diversity achievements in the current EU Youth Programmes and anticipate future challenges and opportunities,

- to create an opportunity for dialogue and mutual support between Inclusion & Diversity officers from Erasmus+ National Agencies, beneficiaries, and other I&D actors.

Susana from Kara Bobowski presented the PR.I.M.E project.

Vidas from JDC presented the Solidarity Coffee project.

It was an amazing time to learn, share, and make new contacts for future projects.

Lina Trebienė, JDC, Lithuania

Medis 5 & Karolinska Institute: A Decade of Innovation

11 April, 2024

For over a decade, Medis 5 has nurtured a productive partnership with the occupational therapist program at the esteemed Karolinska Institute. Each year, students from the program enrich our space with insightful workshops spanning diverse topics. Recently, their visit saw engaging sessions in dance, visual arts, marketing, and even morning routines. In a delightful twist, Medis 5's Steffi facilitated a recycling workshop, igniting creativity as they crafted a stunning hanging mobile from reclaimed materials.

The collaboration transcended conventional boundaries, as evidenced by the immersive dance workshop conducted with fervor. This harmonious blend of academia and practical application underscores the mutual growth fostered by such alliances.

Such initiatives not only enhance the learning experience but also promote sustainability and innovation. Medis 5's commitment to fostering creativity and environmental consciousness shines brightly through such collaborative endeavors. As the partnership flourishes, both institutions continue to inspire and empower future generations of professionals.

Katarina Nord, Medis 5, Sweden

In the Heart of Autism

8 April, 2024

ALMA, in collaboration with the Onassis Foundation and Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, launches a desensitization program for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Greece.

This program, "IN THE HEART OF AUTISM," aims to alleviate anxiety during medical examinations, particularly in April, recognized as an autism awareness month. Special education teachers, therapists, and mental health professionals are the primary audience for this initiative. The program seeks to equip them with tools and techniques to support individuals with ASD. Through evidence-based strategies, the collaboration aims to foster comfort and reduce stress for individuals with ASD in medical settings. The partnership between ALMA and the Onassis entities brings together diverse resources and expertise. By prioritizing inclusivity and understanding in healthcare, the initiative promotes a compassionate society. It is anticipated to serve as a model for similar programs nationally and internationally.

ALMA and its partners reaffirm their commitment to fostering an empathetic society through collaborative efforts.

Leaflet of the program

E-book "IN THE HEART OF AUTISM

Maria Esepaloglou, ALMA, Greece

Summer inspiration

8 April, 2024

In the warm embrace of summer, inspiration often comes from the most unexpected corners.

This is what happened in our organization, where Ervin became the only culinary enthusiast who single-handedly took responsibility for making a great cake. Despite other hesitations, the enticing aroma and irresistible charm of Erwin's creations soon brought the whole group together. As they gather, the anticipation builds, each member eager to enjoy the sweet delights.

With smiles and forks at the ready, they share this moment of friendship, united by the simple joy of good food and good company.

Christine Halas, IB, Germany

Seminar: Cerebral Palsy Meeting

12 March 2024

On December 2, we attended the Cerebral Palsy Meeting hosted by Hasan Kalyoncu University. During the seminar, we discussed topics such as post-earthquake orthopedic processes, physiotherapy approaches, orthosis and prosthesis rehabilitation, the effects of trauma and stress on speech, post-disaster special education services, and the psychological impact on children.

The following day, on December 3, in honor of World Disability Day, we visited the Special Education and Rehabilitation Service Units in Hatay with members of our Academic Board. Our team of specialized physicians and academicians in the fields of neurology, orthopedics, physiotherapy, special education, language and speech therapy, psychology, urology, and oral and dental health provided 118 consultations across 10 stations and identified the needs of the children. After the consultations, 11 children underwent surgeries.

On the same day, we also organized a special workshop titled "How Should We Support Individuals with Special Needs in Disasters and Emergency Situations?" for experts and volunteers working in the disaster area.

Gözde Arasıl, Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey, Turkey

"Different Sounds" delights in Sweden

7 March 2024

Under the leadership of our long-standing Polish partner "PSONI", the Southwest / Hesse Central region is currently involved in the European trilateral project "Different Sounds", in which people with disabilities musically stage their everyday stories.
At the end of February, a group from the IB traveled to Sweden for the second project meeting. The inclusive troupe had an eventful time; In addition to music rehearsals and the design of the e-book, there was still time for other cultural highlights: we visited the old town, explored the Stockholm City Museum, and sang a lot of karaoke in the ABBA Museum.
At the end of the week there were two concerts, one with our host from Sweden "Medis 5" and a public one in the impressive setting of a former cinema, where the listeners thanked us with a standing ovation for the great concert in which the electronic sounds of the Sprak Orchestra (Sweden) wonderfully merged with the drums and percussions (Poland) with the singing (Germany).
Everyone is looking forward to next June, when we as hosts will welcome the other project participants. In this context, there will be concerts in Oberursel and Bad Homburg that should not be missed.
We will continue to inform you when the details are finalized...

Christine Halas, IB, Germany

Different Sounds Orchestra SWE/POL/GER

27 February 2024

Medis 5 would like to share last week's visit from PSONI and IB within the Different Sounds project. A week full of rehearsals, spending creative time together, and working intensively with a great result.

We finished by holding two concerts presenting Different Sounds Orchestra, please hear the suggestive soundscapes for yourselves - at least the audience gave standing ovations!

Katarina Nord, Medis 5, Sweeden

Response - My Story

26 February 2024

JDC, along with international partners, implemented of the RESPONSE project. This initiative aimed to gather various stakeholders to enhance their understanding and ability to provide rights-based and gender-responsive services for addressing gender-based violence against women with disabilities (WWD).

The backdrop of the project is the concerning reality that within the European Union, 40 million women with disabilities face vulnerability to different forms of gender-based violence, including physical, psychological, and virtual harm. Despite this, both specialized and mainstream support providers encounter challenges in effectively preventing gender-based violence against these women and providing them with personalized assistance.

RESPONSE, which stands for Responsive Services to Address Gender-Based Violence Against Women with Disabilities, seeked to unite diverse stakeholders to enhance their knowledge and capabilities in delivering services that respect rights and are responsive to gender-based violence experienced by women with disabilities.

During the RESPONSE final event, Daiva (JDC service user) shared her personal story.

I am Daiva.

Today, I feel powerful enough to address you.

Today, I feel beautiful – I trust myself.

Today, I feel free – I can advocate for myself.

Today, I feel wonderful – I am unique.

Today, I feel magical – I have shaped my destiny.

But my story starts 45 years ago in the Soviet Union.

In the Soviet Union disability didn’t exist.

Newborns like me were often isolated in large institutions in the countryside.

My mother was pressured to give me away.

Thanks to my family – they were brave enough to keep me.

I grew up in a loving family.

I went to a special school because I didn't have another choice.

After finishing school, I couldn't even dream of studying more.

After my country, Lithuania, became independent it changed a lot and got better.

Today everyone has the same possibilities and rights.

Today, like everyone else, I can:

advocate for myself,
fight for my rights,
to speak and be heard.

I am happy about the possibility of being part of the project team.

To learn together, to discover together, to be more confident.

I am proud that I am the leader of women with disabilities at my organization.

During the project, we learned a lot:

To recognize the gender-based violence
To know how to get the help.
To know how to provide the help.

Peer support and Sisterhood are powerful.

In this project, a group of women and I come together to fight violence against women with disabilities.

This project gives us easy-to-understand information on how to prevent violence.

Here we deepen our knowledge about violence, its types, and how to recognize and prevent violence.

I have a message from women with disabilities everyone should have:

the same rights,
the same chances,
the same opportunities.

Everyone should be safe and have a good quality of life...

Eglė Gudžinskienė, JDC, Lithuania