Strengthening Ties - A Social Education project for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

The ASN is a Community-Based Activity and Training Center for Inclusion, that aims to promote personal and professional valorization, autonomy, independent living, and social inclusion. It operates on a model that facilitates and mediates learning and community inclusion trajectories. It was within this context that the “Strengthening Bonds” project, was designed and developed.

Methodologically framed within Participatory Action Research, the project, starting from a careful and participatory analysis of reality, sought to enhance the development of healthy and harmonious relationships among the various social actors for greater general well-being. Based on the interests, resources, and potentialities of the individuals and the ASN, three general objectives were defined: Promoting group cohesion; Enhancing balanced conflict management; Fostering the reconnection of families of young people and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) to the ASN. Three actions were developed: (Re) (re)Approaching; (Re)Connecting; (Re)Creating Bonds in the Kitchen.

The evaluation, which occurred gradually and in a participatory manner, showed that the bonds among the social actors were strengthened, conflict situations decreased in quantity and severity, and individuals with IDD were valued and encouraged to develop their skills.