Working with Adults with Special Needs and Cooperation

Working with Adults with Special Needs and Cooperation with Local Partners Darja Brezovar (Translation: Andreja Rezelj)

“Don’t work on me. Work with me. ” (Jelka van der Valle) UŽU MK / Training for Life Efficiency – My Step • Learning with an assistant in the Centre for Self-Directed Learning (English language, computer courses) • Course and exhibition on watercolour painting • Counselling in the Counselling Centre • Consultancy models for on-site visits Darja Brezovar, October 2011

UŽU – MK Darja Brezovar, October 2011

Darja Brezovar, October 2011

“ Don’t help me, even if it makes you feel better. Ask me if I need you help. Allow me to show you can support me better. “ How to find the participants? • Visits and presentations at the Care and Work Centres, associations (with the presidents) • On-the site visits with volunteers • Invitations to possible participants for programme presentations • Media articles and articles in association’s publications • Presentations to the local politics Darja Brezovar, October 2011

“Don’t try to change my behaviour. Wait and listen. What may seem inappropriate for you, may be the only way for me to communicate. ” Active inclusion in the local environment Programme implementation in: • RIC Novo mesto • Post office, bank, shop, restaurant, library, the city • Care and Work Centre • Other public institutes: old people’s home, schools, kindergartens • Horse stable centre Darja Brezovar, October 2011

“Don’t try your theories and strategies on me. Be with me. Help me to cope with everyday troubles and encourage my personal growth. ” Inclusion in other programmes within RIC Novo mesto • Workshops during the Lifelong Learning Week • Fine arts exhibitions • Individual learning at the Centre for Self-Directed Learning • Visits to the Consultancy Centre Darja Brezovar, October 2011

Video: Jože Vidic UŽU-MK participant in the year 2008 Darja Brezovar, October 2011

Darja Brezovar, October 2011

“Don’t admire me. The wish to have a fulfilled life is not a cause for admiration. Respect me, because respect is the basis for equality. ” Lifelong Learning Especially for adults with special needs the learning process newer finishes. Not the academic knowledge, but the skills for being more independent in everyday life are the most important. Such skills need to be constantly revised and improved. Darja Brezovar, October 2011

• Photographic literacy • Reading circle “Don’t try to change me, you have no right to • Improvement of environmental do that. Help me to skills learn what I want to • Use of different ICT tools know. ” (Jelka van der • Independence in the kitchen Valle) • Ways to communicate with other people • Skills for partial independence • Small animal care • Pot gardening • Etc. UŽU-MK Darja Brezovar, October 2011