Project title: ARC – Access, Respect, Connection: Increasing Social Participation of People with Disabilities for a Diverse Community

Project No: 2024-1-HU01-KA220-ADU-000249082

Implementation period: 01.12.2024-31.07.2027 (32 months)

Funded by: Erasmus+ Program KA220-ADU – Cooperation partnerships in adult education

Total budget: €400,000

Partners:

Project description

The ARC project aims to promote the social participation and inclusion of people with disabilities (PwLD) in the life of the community, strengthening their active citizenship. Through a collaborative and innovative approach, the project aims to develop educational resources, provide training opportunities and create favorable contexts for the social integration of PwLD.

To achieve these objectives, the project will include several key activities:

  • Community needs research and analysis – interviews and surveys will be conducted with PwLD, supporters and community members to identify barriers to social participation.
  • Co-creation workshops – inclusive teams of PwLDs, specialists and community members will contribute to the development of adapted educational methods and resources.
  • Training for supporters – training sessions will be organized for professionals and volunteers working with PwLD, focusing on developing skills to support social inclusion.
  • Community events – awareness-raising and integration activities such as festivals, thematic meetings and community mapping activities designed to facilitate interaction between PwLD and the rest of the community.
  • Pilot programs in each partner country – testing tools developed by involving PwLD and their supporters in learning and social participation activities.
  • Dissemination and knowledge transfer – organizing conferences, seminars and webinars to share project results and promote their use at European level.

Materials developed

Over the course of the project, a range of innovative resources will be developed to support the social inclusion of PwLD, including:

  • PwLD Handbook – an easy-to-understand guide with practical methods and tips for active participation in the community.
  • Toolkit for PwLD – a set of tools for developing social skills and increasing empowerment.
  • Handbook for Supporters – training materials for professionals and volunteers who support PwLD in the social integration process.
  • Toolkit for supporters – practical resources to facilitate PwLD support in the community.
  • Community Mapping Guide – an innovative tool for identifying local opportunities for social participation and social connectedness.

Through these activities and materials, the ARC project contributes to creating more inclusive communities, providing both PwLD and those around them with the tools for active and sustainable integration. CONCORDIA Academy has a key role in developing the training curriculum for advocates and transferring knowledge to professionals working with vulnerable groups.

Impact

The project will have a significant impact on several levels:

  • Local: Raising awareness of PwLD and promoting inclusive community practices.
  • National level: Organizations working with PwLD will integrate new tools and methods to improve services.
  • At European level: Strengthening networks and transnational exchange of good practice in the field of social participation.

By encouraging more inclusive societies, ARC contributes to the EU values of human dignity, equality and active citizenship.

ARC – Access, Respect, Connect: Enhancing Social Participation of Persons with Disabilities for a Diverse Community – Project No. 2024-1-HU01-KA220-ADU-000249082 is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.