Guide how to work with people with special needs by European Territory of Culture

ÂťFunding for the project was obtained in the form of grants under the Lifelong Learning Programme. The content of publications is the sole responsibility of the issuer, the European Commission is not responsible for any use of the information. "

GUIDE HOW TO WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

GUIDE HOW TO WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - Project partners' contributions about their methods at work, therapies, working approaches.

ASSOCIATION VITA FOR HELP AFTER BRAIN INJURY 1.M ENTAL HEALTH The World Health Organization (WHO) defines m ental health as "a state of w ell-being in w hich the individual realizes his ability, norm al controls stress in everyday life, his/her w ork productively and is able to contribute to the com m unity in w hich he/she lives" M ental health is socially constructed and defined concept. This m eans that the various associations, groups, cultures, institutions and professions have very different w ays of conceptualising its nature and causes, determ ining w hat m ental health is and different decision-m aking about w hich interventions are appropriate. Various experts have such different cultural , class, political and religious backgrounds, w hich affect the m ethod of treatm ent of m ental disorders. Best proven and w ell-know n theory is biological theory of the creation of mental disorders. The theory is based on the biom edical m odel, w hich considers that m ental disorders are the result of changes in the structure of the brain and their functions. Despite the fact that in m odern m edicine is the m ost accepted theory of biological, in practice are often m ore used physiological interpretation. Theory is based on the creation of m ental disorders as a result of certain psychological conflict, stress, psychological traum a or other form s of psychological conditions that affect an individual's em otions, personality, tem peram ent and style of coping w ith everyday obligations.

M ental disorders are part of head injury disability Difficulties experienced by persons w ith head injury are sim ilar to the problem s of people w ith m ental disorder. People w ith head injuries have different disturbances in the functioning and am ong them are also m ental disorder (anxiety, irritability, im pulsivity, excessive self-focus, depression, outbursts of rage, harder to cope w ith em otions, anxiety, epilepsy). In addition to these problem s, persons after head injury have com bined disorder, w hich m eans that in addition to m ental health problem s, other problem s can be roughly divided into 3 groups:

1. The physical consequences after head injury -m ovem ent difficulties or even inability to w alk, w eak balance and coordination, sensory disturbances (visual disturbances, hearing loss, touch, sm ell, taste), frequent and fatigue headache , difficulty of speaking and sw allow ing, epilepsy, dyspraxia, bad control of bladder and bow el 2. Cognitive problems -disturbance in the functioning of m em ory (bad m em ory), disturbance in attention and concentration, slow processing of data and inform ation, difficulties in executive functions (planning, organization and problem solving), visual-spatial disorders and cognitive problem s (understanding of the w orld of sense perception) 3.Emotional and behavioral problems -Em otional and behavioral problem s, restlessness, outbursts of anger, im pulsivity, em otional lability, excessive selforientation, abuse and drift in the family, apathy and lack of m otivation, depression, anxiety,inflexibility, rigidity, obsessive, problem s w ith sexuality

2. THERAPIES used to heal mental disorders 2.1. Activity/recreational therapies also called recreational and occupation therapy, based on the prom otion of m ental health through active engagem ent.

Photo: dance w orkshop, gym , visit to Zoo

2.2. Expressive therapies are the types of psychotherapy dealing w ith the help of art, m usic, dance, dram a gam es, poetry, creative w riting and other w ays of expressing. Patients use different types of art trying to express their feelings, em otions through art. Photos: ceramic, product from felt, painting textiles, Products from plaster and clay, singing, making masks

2.3. Alternative therapies Alternative therapies represent a part of alternative m edicine, w hich include a large num ber of therapies and treatm ents from different cultures. Alternative therapies

include aspects of traditional m edicine, yoga, prayer, hom eopathy, hypnotherapy, m editation, biofeedback, traditional Chinese m edicine and m any others.

Photos: Preparation of natural lip balm from coconut butter and beeswax

M ediatation and yoga: Surya namaskara

2.3. Group therapies Group therapy is a branch of psychotherapy in w hich one or m ore therapists w orking w ith a sm aller or larger num ber of people in the group. Group therapy can be applied to any form of psychotherapy, w hich is carried out in a group and can include psychodynam ic therapy, expressive therapy, support groups, psycho-educational groups, alternative and w orking groups to solve problem s.

Photo: socializing in nature, m aking photos and learning about shooting and photography

»Funding for the project was obtained in the form of grants under the Lifelong Learning Programme. The content of publications is the sole responsibility of the issuer, the European Commission is not responsible for any use of the information. "

3. M ETHODS AND APPROACHES AT WORK WITH DISABLED PEOPLE IN VITA The most common methods used by work with mental and other head injury disabilities in Vita association are: 3.1.The method of group work is

m ost used m ethod in day center, w here m ost

activities take place in group. It is also used in the follow ing activities: organized tours, shorter learning - lectures, group talk, w alks in nature, harvesting and drying herbs, recreational activities such as exercise, nature w alks, creative w orkshops, cooking and baking, etc. In group w ork are very im portant good conversational skills, helping each other, encouraging each other, participants learn how to w ork together and help each other. The w orkshop program is designed in a w ay that encourages self-initiative and self-organization of participants w ho are involved in planning and carrying out w orkshops; to their needs, desires and ideas shape the program . In group w ork there are alw ays assistants too to help participants w ho can’t do their product on their ow n or have m ore difficult disabilities at that area of w ork. In each w orkshop takes a lot of cooperation am ong those present; m ainly encourage m utual aid and tolerance, and tolerance, w hich in individuals w ith head injuries often reduced.

3.2. Individual work with participants: Individual approach in the form of counseling conversations, leadership, guidance and support to the user and to m em bers of his fam ily, personal assistance for users, assistance and accom panim ent. Personal assistance w e also im plem ent in our residential com m unity to help and serve people w ho can’t take care of them selves and need help (cooking, w ashing, transport to day centre, escort to everday tasks).

In day center our users have individual cognitive and psychological treatment tw ice a w eek w ith professional psychologist w ith m any years of experiences in w orking w ith our users/m em bers. In day center it is also possible to have an individual therapeutic massage that is carried out by professional m asseur. We provide financial support for our m em bers w ho have m ost difficult disability to have therapeutic massage, lymphatic drainage, physiotherapy. We have also individual counseling to our m em bers by telephone or at hom e and also to m em bers of their fam ily and for parents about care, therapies and of their chances w here to get proper financial and other support.

3.3 Workshops that we use in Vita association Psychological w orkshop, creative w orkshop, collecting and drying herbs, dance

w orkshops, m usic w orkshops, international cooperation and m obility, origam i w orkshops, ceram ics, knitting baskets, cooking, w orking therapy, paintin gâ&#x20AC;Ś

SAINT LAZARUS CENTRE FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS How to work with people with intellectual disabilities

The St Lazarus centre for people w ith special needs provides its services to adults from Larnaca district w ho suffer from m ild an d m edium m ental and intellectual disabilities. St Lazarus is a non-profit, non governm ental volunteer organization w hich is run by a 12-m em ber Board of Directors and is financed by the State Funding Plan as w ell as various other charities. All program s and services offered by the centre are based on the principles and values encapsulated in all social and hum anitarian sciences and especially those w hich focus on people w ith intellectual disability. »We have 20 years of experience in providing services to ad ults w ith intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties. Based on the principle that all people have skills, w e try to develop them in a level that they can stand by them selves in the society. To accom plish that purpose w e have to learn everything about this person very w ell. After that w e m ust define the aim s and w hat w e w ant to succeed. The next step is to find the right strategy and m ethodologies w e are going to use for accom plishing the aim s for that person. It is very im portant to pay a lot of attention to all the above steps before we proceed to the practical procedure and find the appropriate tools for accom plishing our aim s. In our organization w e have a lot of w orkshops like gym nastics, dancing, basket w aving, aluminium recycle, com puters-technology etc. Threw w orkshops w e are trying to achieve the aim s for the people, using tools such as m usic, rhythm , gym nastics, dance etc. Those tools are very effective on people w ith intellectual and m ental disabilities w ith great therapeutic results. Another issue that it’s very im portant is that the behaviour of the people should be easily acceptable by the society. So before w e show our w ork to the public,

w e should first teach to these people how their behaviour should be w hen w e are am ong lots of people or during any visit outside our hom es or school. So w e believe that the best w ay to achieve any purpose for people w ith intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties is to alw ays keep in m ind all of the above.«

PROGRAM S of Saint Lazarus Centre

1. Day Care Centre for Adults with Special Needs (for 49 people) The centre runs on a 5-day schedule (M onday - Friday) from 7:30 to 15:00 and its w orks are based on a w eekly schedule of w orkshops and services.

Services Offered: 

Workshops



Outings



Room for the senses



Transportation to and from the Centre



Breakfast and lunch



Education and training



Excursions (educational - recreational)



Participation in various European program s



Creative activities



M edical Care



Organization of various events and activities

Workshops Within the realm s of the program , specially designed and organized w orkshops provide the opportunity to the people of the centre to w ork and realize their skills and potential, both individually and as m em bers of the group. These

w orkshops, being the core of the program , provide a protected and hazard free environm ent for the people to evolve and enhance their abilities to the fullest.

Currently the centre runs the following workshops: o physical education, pottery, draw ing, com puters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; general know ledge, self-care, housekeeping, basket w eaving, m usic therapy, w ood carving, gardening, recycling, dram a therapy

Room for the senses This is a specially designed room , w hich provides people suffering from m ental deficits (m ental retardation, autism , m ental paralysis) w ith the opportunity to synchronize the senses through various sensory stim uli. Breakfast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lunch Breakfast and lunch are offered on a daily basis and are based on a w eekly dietary schedule that ensures a suitable and healthy diet f or the people at the centre.

Outings Once a w eek, the Centre organizes visits w hose purpose is either educational or recreational.

Physical Education Through Physical Education (PE), the trainers try to help the people at the Centre rem ain in shape, reconnect w ith their bodies, and enhance their athletic and other abilities and skills. In fact, PE is a very successful tool w ith regards to social inclusion since it provides them w ith an opportunity to take part in various sports activities, both locally and internationally.

Recycling As part of this program , the people at the Centre take active part in all stages of the recycling process. Nam ely, they participate in inform ing and sensitizing the public, as w ell as in collecting, dividing and com pressin g the alum inum cans. A specially designed lab w ith m anual presses and m agnets has been set up, and recycling bins have been placed all over tow n. Furtherm ore, occasional visits to schools are conducted during w hich both staff and people of the Centre infor m students about recycling alum inum cans and urge them to actively participate in their efforts.

2. A home within the community (for 5 people) A hom e, w hose structure does not differ from the average neighborhood hom e, accom m odates five adults of m edium m ental disability on a 24-hour basis. This project

w ith

its

progressive,

pioneering

philosophy

supports

equal

opportunities and prom otes the deinstitutionalization of the centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people to a very satisfactory degree. Goals: o self-satisfaction, problem solving, equal opportunities, social inclusion, m inim izing

m arginalization

and

enhancem ent, de-institutionalization

stigm atization , skills and

abilities

Services provided: o care, housing, food, safety, fieldtrips â&#x20AC;&#x201C; w alks, m edical care, cultivation of creativity, entertainm ent, utilization of free tim e, training

3. Vocational reestablishment (for 28 people) Professional reestablishm ent is a very im portant part of social inclusion since it helps the people of the centre becom e financially independent. Thi s program currently supports the efforts of 26 people.

Goals: o Professional

reestablishm ent,

independence,

useful

and

creative

em ploym ent Services provided: o em ploym ent based on the skills, the idiosyncrasy, the needs and t he problem s of each individual, professional support, fam ily support, em ployers and staff cooperation and support, transportation to and from w ork, adequate training, vocational training

NATIONAL M USEUM IN KRAKOW

M useum w as established in 1879 and it is the oldest m useum in Poland. This institution gathers a rich collection of artw orks (alm ost 800 thousand pieces) of European and w orld heritage. It is preoccupied w ith scientific research and conservation of m onum ents, as w ell as popularization o f the heritage by organizing exhibitions in Poland and abroad. It is visited yearly by several hundred thousand people. The m useum cares greatly for its educational actions tow ards children, teenagers and adults, especially people w ith special needs. Every year the Section of Education creates program s, w orkshops and m eetings for children and adults w ith disabilities.

During the project 2 cycles of w orkshops w ere realized. First of them , M useum? Contact!, consisted of 10 w orkshops that took place in different departm ents of the National M useum in Cracow . Its essence w as to bring the different w ays of com m unication betw een people and betw een a visitor and an artw ork up to participants attention. Thanks to the diverse collection of the M useum , participants learned about the use of sym bols in icons, speech of gestures, em otions of colors and the m eaning of ancient decorations. The participants gazed at the objects collected in the galleries and created their ow n w orks inspired by them . The second cycle of w orkshops, Word/Image/Europe, consists of artistic and language-theatre classes. During artistic w orkshops the participants get to know som e elem ents of culture of the partner countries, to w hich there are loose references in the M useum galleries. And during the theatre w orkshops, participants get to know w ords and phrases in English, that can be useful for contacting other participants from the partner countries, by acting out scenes.

During classes the follow ing m ethods are used: individual work, group w or k, talk, didactic gam e, a show com bined w ith an experience, relaxing exercises, dram a. Their purpose is to develop dexterity, to stim ulate the senses, to exercise concentration, and by artistic w ork â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to exercise the m otility of the hands, creativity and integration of the group, and to do all that they require contact

w ith

the objects collected

the galleries of

the M useum .

ALTINDAĞSOSYAL YARDIM LAŞM A ve DAYANIŞM A VAKFI (ALTINDAĞSOCIAL ASSISTANCE and SOLIDARITY FOUNDATION)

Social Assistance and Solidatory Foundations have been established in 1986 by General Directorate of Social Assistance and Solidatory. Social Asisstance and Solidarity Foundations (SASFs) are all around Turkey, in both rural and urban areas

to supply social assistance. Altindag Social

Assistance and Solidatory Foundation is one of them , in Ankara province. Our foundation is Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundation that is responsible for Altındağ District w ith a population of 407.101. Our organisation has 25 staff w orking and a m anager. Our district ,Altındağ is in a disadvantaged region w ith cizitens from poor socio econom ical background. M ost of the citizens are unem ployed and have m oved to Ankara to seek em ploym ent. Our activities are carried out under the chairm anship of the General Directorate of Social Assistance. The aim of our Social Assistance and Solidatory Foundation is to m eet the basic needs of the indigent persons in Altındağ district both w ith in-kind and in-cash transfers. Types of Social Assistance Provided by the SSAFs  Financial Assistances o M onthly Allow ances for Elderly and Disabled People in need o M onthy Allow ances for w om en w hose spouse has passed aw ay o Allow ances for Soldiers’ fam ily in need o Fam ily Assistances o Food, Heating Assistances o Other Fam ily Assistances  Health-related Assistances

o General Health Insurance (Poor people who are not under a social coverage can benefit from unpaid General Health Insurance) o Conditional Health Cash Transfers

(These assistance provided as cash

m oney to fam ilies w ho take their children that are younger than 72 m onths to Goverm ental Health Center for regular check-ups. M oney is being transferred to m other’s account) o Qualified health benefits including supports for people with disabilities  Educational Assistance o Education m aterial Aids : (Certain am ount of educational m aterial are given to those in need.) o Conditional Education Cash Transfers : (Certain am ount of m oney are given regularly to fam ilies w ho can not afford sending their children to school, as long as their children keep attending to school.) o Social Support Assistances  Other Assistances o Fuel and Coal Assistance o Housing Assistance (rent) o Social Support Assistances : (Social Support Assistances are either oneoff or periodical paym ents for a w hile. This type of aid are given to people w ho has heavy burdens and need the m oney im m ediately.) o Disaster Support (earthquake, fire, flood, etc.) o Assistance for dam age caused by terrorism Our foundation acts as a bridge betw een the governm ent and the poor in term s of delivering social benefits directly and in a tim ely fashion.

OUTSIDE IN THE PATHWAYS to learning in museums and galleries

Outside In Pathw ays is a project for people w ith learning disabilities in London. We offer inspiring art-based educational w orkshops for people w ith a w ide range of difficulties, including autism and those w ith com plex or high -support needs. Exposure to art and culture is im portant to everyone’s sense of social identity and w ell-being, including those w ith learning disabilities. For these reasons w e take people into London’s m useum s and galleries, and encourage them to explore and act on their ow n ideas to create art in the form of draw ing, collage, photography and film -m aking, sculpture and other m edia. Outside In's aim s and m ethods of w orking w ere developed throu gh conversations w ith senior professionals including Dr Valerie Sinason, Professor Zenobia Nadirshaw , Dr Joseph Berke, Dr Rom an Raczca, Heather Honour from M encap leading the Disability Coalition and Dr Paul Sw ift. Artists including Tony Bevan and Bill Sm ith also contributed ideas tow ards the project. Charlie Levinson and Big Ears M ultim edia Training supported and helped to teach the film ing and editing activities. M em bers of the Lyndon Arts Trust provided practical and organisational assistance. Outside In is a voluntary organisation and as such is continuously fundraising. Grants have been received so far from a variety of sources including, The Baily Thom as Charitable Fund, the Lottery Fund, Lord Cholm ondeley, M encap, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the RTR Foundation.