Hand in hand

The project aims to create a comprehensive support system that helps refugee families raising children on the autism spectrum and/or with intellectual disabilities find their way into the new environment and better understand the characteristics of the Polish social and therapeutic support system. 

Through the organisation of joint family workshops, trips and consultations, we support families in socialisation and social integration, as well as in building warm relations and mutual understanding with Polish families in the same situation.  We also provide opportunities of consultation with specialists who support parents of children with disabilities in the areas such as: law, education, pedagogy, social service.

The project not only offers practical aid for the families but also helps the community to better understand the needs of children on the autism spectrum. We believe that openness, solidarity, and equality are the foundations of a welcoming and supportive society. Participation in the project is free, to provide help for every family, no matter their financial situation.

Activities to be undertaken in the project:

• Online consultations realised in Polish and Ukrainian, which makes it easier for participants to access information and support.
• Culinary and art workshops for children and their parents.
• Educational and cultural trips to enable refugee and Polish families to get to know each other better and spend time together in a friendly environment.
• Publication of an e-book on the procedures of diagnosing and therapy of children on the autism spectrum, social benefits available, containing tips on education and adaptation in a new environment. 
• Training for the volunteers that will work with the refugee families and the children on the autism spectrum, as well as children with intellectual disabilities.

What we do during the project:

• We create a support system that will help Ukrainian refugee families raising children on the autism spectrum and children with intellectual disabilities to adapt to a new environment and to better understand the characteristics of the Polish social and therapeutic support system.
• We promote mutual understanding and intercultural adaptation. 
• We support acquiring new skills that will help children and teenagers with disabilities in their everyday lives.
• Through organising creative workshops we make it possible for parents and children to create together, integrate and connect with each other.
• During the trips families will learn about places that evoke positive emotions in children and teenagers, break social isolation and build relationships, thanks to sharing experiences and establishing ties.
• We promote the values of solidarity and equality.

Stowarzyszenie LEVEL UP
Łódź, Polska

The project is funded by the European Union as part of the European Solidarity Corps programme.