2025

Temperature measurements taken at various locations in the house and garden demonstrated the importance of green spaces and trees, as well as the effectiveness of roller shutters in hot weather.

How much electricity do fans, ventilators, and air conditioners consume, and how much do they cost per week?

The pocket money of those present would only cover an air conditioner for a few hours, for example. With the help of frozen ice packs wrapped in various materials, the participants learned how to maintain their coolness.

Everyone was very impressed by the effectiveness of cold foot baths and light clothing in cooling the body in hot weather.

The implementation and results of this workshop will be incorporated into the GINA e-book, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

Christine Halas, IB, Germany

Volunteering Without Borders: When Friendship Becomes a Bridge Between Worlds

23 July 2025

“Friends are those who listen to me – even if we don’t speak the same language,” says Paulius, a service user at the Centre of Social Change Makers in Panevėžys, Lithuania. For many years, the centre has not only been a welcoming place for people with disabilities – it has also been a meeting point where international volunteers and local communities connect, learn from each other, and grow together.

Currently, two inspiring young women – Yasmin from Germany and Ana from Spain – are enriching the daily life of the centre as part of their European Solidarity Corps volunteering experience. Their goal: to contribute to social inclusion and gain meaningful life experience through working with adults with disabilities.

Yasmin, who comes from Heidelberg, chose this project not because of the country, but because of the chance to work closely with people with disabilities. “Panevėžys turned out to be a hidden gem – a smaller city, but so welcoming. At first, everything was unfamiliar, but after just a few weeks, I started feeling at home,” she says.

Ana, who previously worked with both children and adults with disabilities, chose Panevėžys because the project matched her personal values. “I didn’t look for a tourist destination. I was looking for a place where I could be truly helpful. Here, I saw how every person is unique, strong, and worthy of being seen.”

Both volunteers admit it wasn’t always easy. A new language, the cold Lithuanian winter, unfamiliar food. But warmth came from the people: the centre’s team, the other volunteers, and especially the individuals with disabilities who welcomed them with open hearts.

“I led an acrobatics class! It was something I used to do back home, and I wanted to try it here. I was nervous at first, but it went really well – everyone smiled, joined in, and dared to try. That was a moment of pure joy,” Yasmin recalls.

Ana remembers a playful day full of laughter: “We played games together and just relaxed. After that, everyone became more open and confident. It really felt like we became a team.

The people at the centre no longer refer to them as “foreign volunteers” – they call them friends.

“Ana knows how to listen and laugh. She’s the sunshine of my day.” – Kotryna

“Yasmin is really good at communicating with us. Even if we don’t speak the same language, I can feel that she cares.” – Vidas

“I love cooking with Ana. She taught me Spanish words, and I taught her how to say ‘thank you’!” – Inga

Here, friendship is not a formality. It is built through shared meals, holidays, cultural activities, smiles, and genuine conversations.

This volunteering experience has inspired both Ana and Yasmin to think more deeply about inclusion and social justice. Yasmin has become more aware of how few opportunities people with disabilities still have to live independently. “They could do so much more – if only society gave them a chance,” she says.

Ana adds, “It’s not about speaking for people with disabilities – it’s about listening to them. They have their own voices, and those voices matter.”

While their time in Lithuania will come to an end, the memories, friendships, and personal growth will stay with them. Yasmin is now considering a career in social work. Ana is dreaming of returning to Lithuania in the future. And the community at the Centre of Social Change Makers already knows: these two young women have left behind more than just a helping hand – they’ve left warmth, kindness, and lasting bonds.

Eglė Gudžinskienė, Panevėžio socialinių pokyčių centras (PsPc), Lithuania

Empowering Children with Cerebral Palsy Through Inclusive Education – Metin Sabancı Special Education School

17 June 2025

Under the umbrella of the Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey– Cerebral Palsy Türkiye, the Metin Sabancı Special Education School has been a pioneering institution dedicated to preparing children with Cerebral Palsy for inclusive education and active participation in social life. Since its establishment in 2011, the school has provided tailored education at preschool, primary, and middle school levels for children with varying degrees of special needs.

As Turkey’s first private school specifically designed for children with Cerebral Palsy, Metin Sabancı Special Education School has successfully educated hundreds of students. The school’s mission is to empower each student to achieve cognitive, sensory, and psychomotor self-sufficiency, enabling them to transition confidently into academic and social life.

To further this mission, the school regularly organizes enriching activities and events. One of the highlights of the academic year was the celebration of National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23rd, held at the Metin Sabancı Center.

The event began with a moment of silence and the national anthem, followed by speeches from Nigar Evgin, General Director of the Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey– Cerebral Palsy Türkiye and Founding Representative of the Metin Sabancı Special Education Schools, and Murat Kurt, Principal of the school.

Throughout the ceremony, students captivated the audience with performances ranging from dance and rhythm to poetry and theater. These showcases not only highlighted the students’ talents but also reflected the school’s deep commitment to inclusive education and holistic development.

Metin Sabancı Special Education School continues to stand as a beacon of opportunity, offering children with Cerebral Palsy the support, confidence, and skills they need to thrive in both education and life.

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

The Hummingbird Fable – A Film, Stage Performance and Art show

13 June 2025

Medis 5 presents a unique stage performance and animated film that together tell the timeless and powerful Fable of the Hummingbird and the Fire – a story about courage, hope, and how even the smallest effort can make a difference.

This ongoing interdisciplinary art project weaves together theatre, music, visual art, and animation into a moving experience that speaks to both heart and mind. With humor, seriousness, and great creativity, the participants at Medis 5 bring to life a tale that reminds us of the importance of community and taking action – even in the face of great challenges.

Welcome to an evening that will warm, awaken, and inspire!!

Katarina Nord, Medis5, Sweden

From Seeds to Sustainability: Celebrating World Environment Day at ESTIA

12 June 2025

In the context of World Environment Day on June 5th, the beneficiaries of the Cognitive Empowerment Department at ESTIA have become true eco-masters! After a series of environmental education sessions and inspiring visits to the Ecological Park, they’ve taken action to care for our planet -starting right from their own space.

As part of our green initiative, we transplanted sunflower and papyrus plants into larger pots, giving their roots more room to grow strong and healthy. With patience, care, and lots of water, we’re now watching them thrive - ready to proudly decorate our space!

This activity was not just about gardening - it was about learning, responsibility, and connecting with nature. Everyone took part with joy, using the proper tools and getting their hands just a little dirty to help something beautiful grow.

We can't wait to see how our plants blossom… and how we keep blossoming too!

Maria Moskofidou, ESTIA, Greece

Coconut Shy: A Fun and Inclusive Hit at the Day Care Center

11 June 2025

Coconut Shy is a fantastic sport that offers people with disabilities the opportunity to be active and have fun together. This game is not just about skill but also about team spirit and motivation. Every throw brings participants closer together and builds self-confidence. Sports activities like can throwing promote inclusion and demonstrate that everyone, regardless of ability - can be part of the game.

The IB-Clients have discovered this new activity - Coconut Shy is the hit among the outdoor activities of our day care center. See the photos!

Christine Halas, IB, Germany

Ukrainian Experts visit IB Südwest gGmbH

11 June 2025

For 25 years, the IB has maintained close cooperation with the Ukrainian parents' organization "Djerela." Between 2004 and 2006, the organization established a contact and counseling center and a day care center for wood and candles in Kyiv as part of an EU project. Regular exchange programs for experts took place in Germany and Ukraine until 2019. Over the past three years, the organization has tried to maintain its work as best as possible despite the current war situation. The IB has held regular contact and continued to support the organization, as well as the Caravan 2000, of which "Djerela" is a member.

Djerela currently cares for around 180 people with disabilities in Kyiv in a mini-hostel and a day care center. The organization has also established assisted living at a facility in Bohuslav (about two hours from Kyiv), where it also provides professional, psychological and humanitarian support to clients and their families suffering severely from the consequences of the war. Since the outbreak of war, Djerela has faced entirely new challenges in its work: many younger people with disabilities and their families have fled, while older people require more support and, at the same time, have had to learn to use digital services. Due to the war, priorities in therapeutic care for people with disabilities in Ukraine have shifted in favor of war-disabled and trauma victims, significantly worsening the financial situation of organizations like Djerela.

From March 29 to April 4, 2025, six specialists from "Djerela" visited IB Südwest gGmbH as part of an exchange program funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. They visited IB Südwest gGmbH to familiarize themselves with IB integration assistance facilities in the Central and Northern Hesse regions and to exchange professional experiences with their IB colleagues after a long break.

The Integration Expert Service and Contact Point for Employers in Hanau, the IB residential facility in Gründau-Gettenbach with a day care center, the abBi project in Friedberg, housing training for people with disabilities in Neu-Anspach, and Open Assistance in Oberursel – all IB services for people with disabilities were of great interest to the guests and prompted numerous questions.

The professionals were particularly fascinated by the possibilities of becoming independent in terms of living and working. Raisa Kravchenko, the chairwoman of “Djerela”, put it this way: “Here we have again gained many new suggestions and ideas that we would like to implement within the scope of our possibilities!”

The evening conversations were harrowing when they touched on life during wartime: two participants were in constant contact with their husbands, who are deployed directly on the front lines, during the exchange; another participant recounted the impossibility of reaching the safe basement during drone attacks with a mother in need of care and a daughter with disabilities; all of them mourned together for colleagues and friends who had already died in the war. The entire "normal" everyday life is constantly dominated by the events of war.

Yuliia Klepets, Executive Director of the Ukrainian network "Coalition," reported on the hardships faced by families, especially mothers, in caring for and protecting their children with disabilities and providing them with a regular daily routine.

"Thank you for your emotional and professional support, which gives us renewed motivation and keeps us going," Raisa said.

The IB will continue to stay in touch, provide support from afar where possible, and be ready when times of peace return.

Christiane Lensch, IB, Germany

The Other Side of the Moon: Celebrating the First Anniversary of the Sheltered Employment Project

09 May 2025

At the end of April, the sheltered employment project Kita Mėnulio pusė (The Other Side of the Moon), implemented by the Centre of Social Change Makers (PsPc) in Panevėžys, Lithuania, celebrated its first anniversary. It was more than just a celebration – it marked a meaningful milestone in a journey where people with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities have developed new skills, discovered their strengths, and engaged in purposeful activities.

The mission of "Kita Mėnulio pusė" is to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the open labour market. Participants strengthen both general and specific work-related skills through meaningful tasks that result in real products or services. This service is aimed at people over the age of 18 who, due to disability-related reasons, are unable to access the open labour market or supported employment.

The first year clearly demonstrated the value and impact of this initiative. While people with disabilities have often been involved in artistic or recreational activities, these workshops focus on developing real, practical work skills. Each participant contributes to the production process, fulfills orders, or creates unique items for sale. This not only builds self-worth and independence but also offers the possibility of future employment.

The workshop offers a variety of activities. In the work studio, participants complete real orders from businesses, such as sorting, folding, or packing products. They also create functional ceramic, table décor, and handmade jewellery items, which are sold in both physical and online stores. In the education space, people with disabilities provide educational sessions for children, youth, and adults – helping to shift public attitudes towards disability.

In the heart of the city, the Solidari Kava (Solidarity Coffee) space welcomes visitors to enjoy a cup of exceptional coffee, meet people with disabilities, engage in meaningful conversations, and challenge their own assumptions. It’s a place where community meets inclusion.

The birthday celebration lasted two days. On the first day, the "Solidari kava" hosted an open community event where visitors could purchase handmade products, learn more about the workshop, and share warm conversations. The second day ended with a lively party at a nightclub, filled with music, laughter, and heartfelt greetings.

This anniversary was not just about marking a date – it was a celebration of progress, inclusion, and shared humanity. It reminded us all that people with disabilities are creative, capable, and eager to contribute to society.

Thank you to everyone who has been with us on this journey. These are just the first steps toward "Kita Mėnulio pusė" – and there’s so much more to come.

Eglė Gudžinskienė, PsPc, Lithuania

Exploring the Past and Sustainability: A Visit to Hessenpark with the GINA Project

09 May 2025

On a bright sunny day, some IB clients and staff visited Hessenpark, where life in former times is presented and where Benedikt is working.

He was very proud to present to his friends how houses were constructed by manpower only and how life was before electricity was available for every household.

The participants were very impressed, and Benedikt explained from his experience in the GINA project that he gained knowledge, that the daily tasks for the families took longer, but were more sustainable and did not harm our climate.

The visitors were impressed to see the old pharmacy, the school building, or the grocery store. And of course of the "modern" telecommunication museum where some of the youngsters touched a cable telephone for the first time in their lives...

Christine Halas, IB, Germany

Learning languages, spreading joy

08 May 2025

Caravan 2000’s Joy-Bringer Ulf Lennman is now diving into European languages as he prepares for an upcoming international meeting!

Recognized during the 25th Anniversary of the Caravan 2000 Network for his remarkable ability to spread joy and positivity, Ulf is now showing how important it is to connect through language.

Even learning a few phrases in someone else’s language helps build bridges, fosters inclusion, and makes collaboration more meaningful. In a network that thrives on learning from one another, communication is key!

We’re cheering you on, Ulf — and looking forward to hearing your warm words in many languages!

Katarina Nord, Mats Erikson, Medis5, Sweden

GINA Project: Meeting in Athens

28 April 2025

ESTIA had the pleasure and honor of hosting the transnational partners of the Erasmus+ project GINA – Green INclusive Academy (2023-1-DE02-KA220-ADU-000151789) in Athens for a week of creative exchange, learning, and collaboration.

The GINA project brings together organizations from Germany, Italy, France, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, and Greece, united by a shared mission: to promote environmental education and sustainability through inclusive and participatory approaches.

During the meeting, held at ESTIA’s facilities, partners engaged in in-depth discussions and collaborative work on the project’s key output—an accessible e-book co-created by and for people with disabilities. This educational tool focuses on sustainable development and aims to raise environmental awareness while ensuring inclusivity at every stage.

The program also included a visit to the Ecological Park in Neo Psychico, where participants explored the local flora and gained inspiration from the park’s green, community-oriented design. The meeting highlighted GINA’s core goal: to empower people with disabilities to actively engage with environmental challenges and foster accessible, sustainable learning across Europe.

Maria Moskofidou, ESTIA, Greece

GINA Project: Medis 5 Shares a Textile Recycling Tutorial

8 April 2025

As part of the GINA – Green Inclusion Awareness project, Medis 5 has released a creative and accessible video tutorial focusing on textile recycling. This video is one of the many practical outcomes of the Erasmus+ funded initiative, which aims to increase knowledge about sustainability among people with disabilities and their support staff.

The GINA project brings a fresh perspective to environmental education by treating individuals with disabilities and staff as equal partners in the learning process. It encourages active participation and shared responsibility when it comes to making greener choices in everyday life. With this approach, GINA promotes not only awareness but also empowerment—everyone involved becomes both a learner and a teacher.

One of the main goals of the project is to develop an engaging and interactive e-Book written in easy-to-understand language. This e-Book, accessible to all readers, will explore six key environmental topics and invite people to reflect on their behavior and its impact on the planet. The video tutorial created by Medis 5 is a part of this broader educational journey and serves as an excellent example of how sustainability education can be inclusive, creative, and inspiring.

By offering tools like this video, the GINA project shows that environmental responsibility can be a shared experience, where small steps—like recycling textiles, can lead to meaningful change. As the project continues to grow and reach more communities, more resources, including the full e-book, will be released soon.

Watch the video tutorial here.

Katarina Nord, Medis 5, Sweden

When Art Speaks All Languages: The Story of "Different Sounds"

2 April 2025

The "Different Sounds" project was carried out by three organizations from Poland (PSONI branch in Gdańsk), Sweden (Medis 5), and Germany (IB). All organizations worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities. The project resulted in four intellectual outputs: a printed book, an e-book, a multimedia e-book, and an animated film. The stories, texts, photos, images, and music used in the publications were created by artists supported by the partner organizations. Through discussions and the creative writing process, the authors developed four stories covering the following themes: the right for everyone to be an artist, respect for diversity, and alternative communication.

You can see the “Different Sounds” animated book here:

https://differentsoundsproject.com/multimedia-book-english/

Animation “Vase who wanted to sign opera” is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4zosUMiD0s

The project also included music, painting, and graphic workshops. All partners engaged three music bands: Remont Pomp from Poland, Sprak Orchestra from Sweden, and IBies from Germany. These international bands joined forces to create a large group called the "Different Sounds" Orchestra. The musicians performed six concerts across three countries. In Poland, saxophonist Mikołaj Trzaska was invited to perform, while in Sweden, Mathias Danielsson played the pedal steel guitar. The concerts in Poland and Sweden were recorded and are available on streaming platforms, Bandcamp, and in CD format.

Importantly, individuals with disabilities played a key role in the creation of the book/e-book and animated film, with appropriate support from educators. The story, plot, interviews, graphics, music, and photos were all created by them and then professionally prepared for publication.

The "Different Sounds" e-book has been translated into four languages: Polish, Swedish, German, and English. The limited-edition printed book will be available in three languages: Polish, Swedish, and German. Free copies of the "Different Sounds" book will be available at the meeting.

For more information about the project, visit:

www.differentsoundsproject.com

www.facebook.com/LeadingMyOwnLife

The project was funded by the European Union.

Jarek Marciszewski, PSONI, Poland

9th International Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disorders Congress

21 March 2025

Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey (SCFT) hosted the 9th International Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disorders Congress, held between February 22 and 24. Organized under the theme “Evolving Times, Advancing Collaborations,” the event became a hub for distinguished medical professionals, experts, and families.

The Congress offered insightful sessions tailored to families, where caregivers' questions were addressed. Medical professionals also shared critical guidance on disaster preparedness and rehabilitation during crises. Moreover, SCFT shared the impactful work initiated in Hatay earthquake zone, showing commitment to sustainable support in affected regions.

Under the leadership of Associate Professor Dr. Semih Ayta, the Congress took place in virtual sessions, and was preceded by expert-led workshops at the Metin Sabancı Center. The event featured multidisciplinary panels covering pediatric neurology, genetics, child and adolescent psychiatry and psychology, speech and language development, special education, audiology, physiotherapy, and orthopedic approaches during emergencies. With over 350 attendees, the Congress provided a platform for diverse perspectives and exchange of knowledge.

This year’s Congress was further elevated by the participation of esteemed international speakers, including Christopher Newman, Haluk Altıok, Heidi M. Feldman, Jozef Gecz, M. Kathleen Kelly, Reinald Brunner, Sarah Reedman, and Suken Shah. Their contributions enriched the academic discussions and left an indelible mark on all participants.

By combining comprehensive expertise with an inclusive approach, SCFT highlighted its role as an advocate for individuals with cerebral palsy and developmental disorders.

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

Different Sounds – Final Event and book release in Sweden

06 March 2025

The Different Sounds project brought together three organizations from Poland (PSONI, Gdańsk), Sweden (Medis 5 & Sensus, Stockholm), and Germany (IB, Oberursel).

At the final event in Sweden, we presented the results of the project — including releasing an e-book, a concert with SPRAK Orchestra, and the premiere screening of the animated film The Vase, who wanted to sing opera, which you can see here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4zosUMiD0s

Also have a look at the e-book produced https://differentsoundsproject.com/

Different Sounds was co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme under Action 2: Strategic Partnerships.

Katarina Nord, Medis 5, Sweden

Full house at the IB music workshop Different Sounds

06 March 2025

30 music enthusiasts met in the bistro of the Oberurseler Werkstätten to make music together at the multiplier event at the end of the Different Sounds project. The concerts in June 2024 in Oberursel and Bad Homburg were so well remembered by the audience that the workshop was fully booked in no time. Uwe Nussbaum, project participant and author of German history, briefly explained the project and showed photos of the stops in Gdansk / Poland and Stockholm / Sweden. The project combined music, literature and painting, and the result was a fantastic book (also available as an e-book at https://differentsoundsproject.com/multimedia-book-deutsch/) and an animated film (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2W1CFZ_ZqY ), which was also shown to start the day. With their musical talent, Martina Ständer and Ute Günther brought the various drums, rattles, xylophones and tambourines together so harmoniously within a very short time that a little song was created. The aim of the workshop, to make the project content widely known, was fully achieved. At the end, each participant received a Different Sounds book as a gift, not just as a souvenir, but so that they can act as a multiplier for the project themes of respect and inclusion.

Christine Halas, IB, Germany

The Little Bird’s Big Courage

07 February 2025

Medis 5 shares an inspiring story about the great courage of a little hummingbird. This fable reminds us that even the smallest actions can make a big difference, and by working together, we can overcome the greatest challenges. Read on and be inspired to create change!

Sam tells us more:

There is a big fire in the forest.

There is this little bird who tries to put out the fire.

She takes small drop of water from the river and drops it on the fire.

Over and over again.

The other animals is laughing at her.

"You are to small! That will not help at all!"

But the little kolibri just continues and says:

- I'm doing the best I can, she says.

- She is right, says the elphant and starts to spray water with his trunk.

Yes, she is right, says the pelican and is water bombing the fire.

Soon all the animals is running back and forth between the river and the fire.

After many hours the fire is out

The animals of the forest gathers.

They are very tired,

some a bit wounded.

- At least I didn't turn into a fried chicken, the peacock said watching her smoking feathers.

- Together we are strong

Marita Jonols, Medis 5, Sweden

Enhancing Inclusive Mobility: Insights from the PR.I.M.E. Project

05 February 2025

CARAVAN2000 is an Associated Partner of a project that counts on four members of the network within the partnership.

‘PR.I.M.E. – PRomoting Inclusive Mobility Experiences’ is a KA2 VET project coordinated by social cooperative Kara Bobowski from Italy with other 6 European Partners, from which also ESTIA from Greece, PSPC from Lithuania and PSONI from Poland.

The goal of the project is to increase the quality in mobility experiences for people with intellectual disabilities, by developing tools and the competencies on project staff implementing these projects.

As a first step, the partnership did research within organizations to understand their needs and difficulties when implementing inclusive mobilities for people with intellectual disabilities.

The result is a ‘Needs Analysis Report’ that will be useful to better tailor the other outputs of the project: a handbook with tools and tips on how to manage and implement these specific projects, digital and innovative support tools for the preparation of participants and support their learning process, official documents in easy-to-read and a platform that will collect everything.

We are glad to share the results of the needs analysis with the wide public.

Susana Alves, Cooperativa sociale Kara Bobowski, Italy