(Istanbul Gelisim University)
Rural in Life project, which is supported by the European Commission, is preparing a comprehensive training program to assist individuals with disabilities in rural areas in transitioning to an independent life. The project aims to enable disabled individuals to live independently without institutionalization and to support them in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.
The project is coordinated by COCEMFE Sevilla, with the participation of partner organizations from Turkey (Istanbul Gelisim university), Slovenia (OZARA doo), Italy (Turin Institute for the Deaf), and Denmark (EQUIP), as well as local support from FEKOOR and FAMMA Cocemfe madrid organisations. The project specifically focuses on the concept of personal assistance and the role of personal assistants in providing support to individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of personal assistance in achieving independent living.
The training program aims to provide professionals working in rural areas to accompany and facilitate independent living for people with disabilites in these areas, without relying on institutional facilities. By highlighting the legal framework that safeguards the rights of disabled individuals and raising awareness in society, the project seeks to enable disabled individuals to realize their full potential and actively participate in society.
The content of the training program covers various topics such as independence, life skills, communication, employment, and social participation, which empower disabled individuals to lead independent lives. Additionally, the program addresses the available resources, alternative support systems, and the benefits of independent living for disabled individuals residing in rural areas.
The Rural in Life project is a significant step towards supporting disabled individuals in achieving full and independent lives in rural areas. By emphasizing the protection of their rights, increasing societal awareness, and enhancing the competencies of professionals, the project aims to enable disabled individuals to fully realize their potential and actively contribute to society.
The Rural in Life project aims to bring resources and strategies that assist individuals with disabilities in overcoming the challenges they face to rural areas. This will enable disabled individuals residing in rural regions to have equal access to opportunities and live independently. Additionally, the project seeks to improve the quality of life and enhance social participation for disabled individuals in rural areas. The success of the project relies on the establishment of knowledge, resources, and support systems necessary for disabled individuals to lead full lives in rural communities.
As part of the project, pilot programs supporting the transition to independent living for disabled individuals in rural areas will be implemented. These programs aim to provide tailored services based on the specific needs of disabled individuals and raise awareness within society. The project also includes the dissemination of successful pilot programs to other regions and the sharing of best practices.
The Rural in Life project represents a significant step towards enabling disabled individuals to have a complete life experience in rural areas. Protecting the rights of disabled individuals, increasing societal awareness, and enhancing the competencies of professionals are among the key objectives of this project. Thus, it strives to ensure that disabled individuals residing in rural areas actively participate in all aspects of life and fully realize their potential.
