In Touch is an innovative project that aims to improve non-formal education and enhance learning opportunities for young people with mobility and sensory disabilities. By addressing the lack of updated training materials for organizations working with disabled individuals, In Touch seeks to empower these young people, giving them greater access to opportunities and helping them integrate into society.
The project spans six countries, involving partners from Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. These countries collaborate to promote social inclusion and develop educational resources. In Touch brings together organizations experienced in working with disabled individuals and others specializing in non-formal education. This collaboration allows the project to draw on a wide range of expertise, improving the skills of youth workers and educators to better serve disabled individuals.
A central goal of In Touch is to provide organizations and professionals working with disabled people with new tools and methods. The project will equip youth workers, educators, and trainers with advanced materials that support the social and professional development of disabled youth. Through these resources, In Touch aims to create an environment where disabled individuals can thrive and actively participate in society. By improving the capacities of those who work with disabled youth, the project ensures that these young people can access educational and social opportunities that were previously unavailable.
The project also focuses on preventing social isolation among disabled youth. Many young people with disabilities face barriers in accessing leisure activities and services, which can lead to isolation. To address this, In Touch will map accessible and barrier-free services across the participating countries. This will provide young people with disabilities the opportunity to engage in social and recreational activities, fostering connections with their peers and reducing feelings of isolation. By promoting access to these services, In Touch raises awareness about the importance of inclusion in all areas of life.
The project will produce two key outcomes. The first is an electronic didactic manual, which will feature innovative activities designed to include young people with disabilities. This manual will be made available to educators, youth workers, and others working with disabled individuals, offering practical guidance on how to create more inclusive environments. By incorporating these activities, organizations will be able to offer higher-quality, inclusive programs that actively engage disabled youth.
The second outcome is the development of a mobile app that will be accessible to disabled users. This app will feature a map of accessible, barrier-free services and activities in each of the six countries involved in the project. The app will be free to download, providing young people with disabilities a tool to find inclusive spaces and events where they can participate and connect with their communities. This app will be a key resource in promoting social inclusion, offering disabled individuals a practical way to explore leisure activities while reducing the risk of isolation.
Through these outcomes, In Touch aims to break down barriers for young people with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities and can fully engage with society. By providing both a didactic manual and a mobile app, the project empowers organizations to better support disabled youth while offering these young people the tools they need to participate in social, educational, and recreational activities.
To stay informed about the progress of the In Touch project, follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Together, we can create a more inclusive society, where all young people—regardless of their abilities—have the chance to reach their full potential and actively contribute to their communities.