In a world where people with disabilities often face challenges, the ACTIVATE project is a source of hope. It deals with the issue of limited opportunities for those with functional diversity to be a part of their communities, which has become even more important due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the pandemic, people with disabilities had limited chances to participate in society. The pandemic made things worse, causing isolation due to lockdowns and social distancing. The project ACTIVATE understands that these barriers come from various sources, such as physical limitations, living far away from others, or the impact of a global crisis. In this tough situation, technology becomes essential in breaking down these barriers and ensuring that everyone can participate in society.
The project has several important goals:
Empowering Through Digital Skills: The project focuses on teaching adults with disabilities digital skills. This helps them actively engage in community initiatives and be more included in the digital world.
Supporting Professionals: Caregivers and professionals who work with people with disabilities play a vital role. ACTIVATE provides them with resources and tools to raise awareness, offer training, and support community participation using digital tools.
Breaking Down Physical Barriers: The project aims to empower adults with disabilities to overcome physical obstacles by improving their digital skills, making society more inclusive.
Promoting Active Participation: At its core, ACTIVATE wants to encourage adults with disabilities to actively participate in their communities. By removing barriers and providing access to digital resources, the project ensures their full participation.
Improving Quality of Life: The ultimate goal is to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities. Through digital inclusion, the project helps them have fulfilling lives with social connections, community involvement, and independence.
The ACTIVATE project recently had a final event organized by the STEP Institute in collaboration with the Sožitje Hrastnik Society. This event demonstrated the power of collective action, with a focus on helping individuals with functional diversity.
At the event, STEP Institute shared the project’s results, including training and a toolkit to improve the digital skills of adults with disabilities. The practical workshop allowed participants to gain hands-on experience in using digital tools to overcome physical barriers and participate more in their communities.
The event ended with an evaluation, where participants shared their thoughts and experiences, helping the project improve and better serve the community.
The ACTIVATE project and its final event show the power of working together, using technology, and involving the community. In a world where isolation and exclusion threaten the lives of people with disabilities, ACTIVATE provides a way to be more included, independent, and hopeful.
In the journey to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can actively participate in society, ACTIVATE stands out as a beacon of hope. Through digital empowerment, it’s breaking down barriers and building bridges to a more inclusive world.
