Croatia

Activities for personnel

Goal

acquiring competencies for personnel working with people with disabilities

for the permanent and active inclusion of people with disabilities in nature-based physical activities

Location

Krapinske Toplice

Organisation

COOKT

Duration

April – November 2023

M1
MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

We educate personnel on how to motivate people with disabilities to maintain and improve their mental health, which is crucial for their overall well-being.

The module is designed to teach mindfulness, meditation, and sensory integration techniques and to provide lectures on how to motivate people with disabilities to maintain and improve their mental health.

Mindfulness and meditation are popular practices that help people with disabilities improve their mental and physical health.

Sensory integration is used to help people with disabilities develop and improve their sensory-motor abilities. Through touch, vibration, gravity, sound, and light, it enhances sensory information processing. Using these techniques increases body awareness, improves balance and coordination, and reduces sensitivity to stimuli.

COOKT in collaboration with the Association of Psychologists of Krapina-Zagorje County

14. 04. 2023

Krapinske Toplice

  • acquiring mindfulness, meditation, and sensory integration techniques,
  • lectures on how to motivate people with disabilities to maintain and strengthen their mental health
M2
I FEEL NATURE AND MYSELF WITH ALL MY SENSES

Sensory integration is the process by which our body receives, organizes, and interprets sensory information from the environment. This process is crucial for people with disabilities who have difficulty processing sensory information – for them, information from the environment can cause hypersensitivity, hyperactivity, or reduced perception. Sensory integration is key to developing motor and cognitive abilities, establishing social connections, and improving overall quality of life.

The benefits of sensory integration for individuals with certain types of disabilities are numerous. Among other things, it improves motor control, attention, learning, memory, and concentration abilities. It helps develop self-confidence, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves overall mood.

A sensory park is a special space designed for sensory integration. It includes various elements such as swinging bridges, climbing walls, trampolines, swings, and other sensory play elements. These objects present sensory challenges that promote the development of motor and cognitive abilities and improve sensory perception and processing.

In the sensory park, individuals with special needs can enjoy a safe and supportive environment that allows for the development of their abilities. At the same time, we educate about staying in nature in line with sustainable behavior.

COOKT

June 2023

Krapinske Toplice

  • organized nature gatherings with education on sustainable living,
  • workshop in a sensory park – understanding the importance of sensory tools (with a focus on their significance for people with disabilities),
  • practical testing of sensory tools and presentation of how to assist people with disabilities in the sensory park and activate them to realize their full potential.

The project funds will be used to purchase equipment for the sensory park.

M4
GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLES AND SENSORY ACTIVATION

Creative art workshops and theater performances are an excellent way to express and enhance creativity and develop motor skills in individuals with disabilities.

Creative workshops and theater performances also allow for a better understanding of the world around us. Individuals with disabilities are often excluded from social activities and cultural events, leading to isolation and loneliness. Through these activities, individuals with disabilities can participate in cultural events, develop their interests, meet new people, improve social skills, encourage communication, and build self-confidence.

Artistic expression and theater can also be therapeutic activities that help individuals with disabilities overcome stress, anxiety, and depression.

COOKT

November 2023

Krapinske Toplice

  • predstavitev kreativnih (likovnih idr.) ustvarjalnih del in gledališka predstava “V iskanju sreče” dijakov COOKT