For many years, SUMSI has been bringing disability awareness education straight to primary schools across Croatia through our ongoing project, “Experience and Knowledge for Equality.” These workshops aren’t just lectures; they’re led by experts who combine personal experience living with a disability with professional knowledge (specialist rehabilitation teacher). This unique approach inspires students (and indirectly, their teachers) to develop respect and inclusivity towards people with disabilities.
Tailored for students between classes 5 and 8, the 45-minute sessions cover important topics like:
- What disability means and how it can affect people.
- The rights and responsibilities of individuals with disabilities.
- Real-life experiences shared by presenters living with disabilities.
- How to offer help with things like crossing the street, supporting friends or strangers, and navigating different spaces.
- Demonstrations of tools used by visually impaired people and modern assistive technologies.
- How people with disabilities participate in sports and other fun activities.
By making things interactive, students are encouraged to ask questions, clear up uncertainties, and challenge any preconceived notions. This fosters a natural and inclusive attitude toward people with disabilities.
This project was funded by the City of Zagreb and the Ministry of Science and Education. It has also resulted in the development of informational brochures for both students and teaching staff.