The world according to the handicapped. To disenchant the myths.
United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3rd December as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1992 in order to tell the society more about problems of handicapped people (people with reductions in correct functioning, which are caused by physical functions’ fall off or abnormalities in structure and functioning of organism) and to help them join the social life. Celebration of that day is also an opportunity to increase public awareness about the benefits resultant from integration handicapped people in every aspect of the life, economic, social and cultural aspect as well. Conference under the slogan ‘The world according to the handicapped. To disenchant the myths.’ was held that day in Kowala, which was organised by the Association of Development’s Supporting of Kowala Commune in project “We are creating healthy future’. The purpose of the meeting was promotion of the knowledge about handicapped people’s needs, as well as equality of the chances for the handicapped and healthy people. Representants of Social Company “Jaskółeczka Inn”, National Autistic Society- Branch in Radom, Saint Pio Association in Radom, Polish Multiple Sclerosis Society, Knights of Malta Foundation shared their knowledge and experience with participants. Head of the project “We are creating healthy future’ and coordinator of cooperation with handicapped people, social worker of the Local Social Welfare Centre in Kowala, were among the lecturers. Guests were warmly welcomed by host of the conference, Head of the Association of Development’s Supporting of Kowala Commune- Ms Joanna Kutkowska. Participants of the conference, participants of the project among them, obtained , above all, the knowledge about possibilities of handicapped people’s organizing, rights and reductions on the labour market that they are entitled to, as well as nature of institutes and institutions performing towards improvement of the health and rehabilitation. Additionally, it was possible to familiarize with literary and artistic production of Małgorzata Ruzik of Szydłowiec, Michał Kojara of Wola Lipieniecka Mała and Jerzy Ratyński from Trablice, who are handicapped artists and to look at ceramic works, which are produced by participant of the project ‘We are creating healthy future’. Conference was terminated by performance of a local folk dance group.
The project is co-funded from EU assets as part of European Social Fund, Priority IX- Development of Education and Competence in regions, Activity 9.5 Grass roots educational initiatives in the rural areas.
