A more robust centre for people with disabilities in Hafnarfjörður 

Improved services for disabled residents of Hafnarfjörður

A new joint centre for people with disabilities in Hafnarfjörður will be opened in the coming weeks. The premises for the operation will increase by 75%. Four departments will be merged under the banners Centres for Work and Activity. 

„This is a step forward for the cause in Hafnarfjörður,“ says Þórdís Rúriksdóttir, who will be the director of the new centre. More space for everyone, better working conditions and increased services for disabled residents of Hafnarfjörður. The centre serves around fifty individuals and there is room for more.  

Valdimar Víðisson, mayorThe director is extremely proud of this change. „This is about improving working conditions and strengthening our operations. Alongside these changes, our service is improving, and we have even greater opportunities to enhance it in the future.“ 

This new Centre for Work and Activity will be stlocated at both Selhæll 7 and Suðurgata 14. By combining all the resources, the facility will expand from 900 square metres to around 1600 square metres. The centre is expected to open, transformed and improved, in the coming weeks, as the final touches are being put to it. As a result, the facilities will be much better for all the centre's groups than they were previously.  

Four departments, each with its own specialism, come together in the centre: 

• Environmental Watch Centre – a group currently at 14 South Street will move to new and impressive premises at 7 Selhellu. The main focus there will be on various work projects. 

• Centre for social and physical activity – to gatherThe one currently on South Street is moving to a new space.The main focus will be on social and physical activity. 

• Centre for Sensory Stimulation and Centre for Alternative Communication – These groups, currently at Bæjarhraun 2, will move to the first floor of Suðurgata 14 into a larger space than they have had to date. The Bæjarhóll Training Centre has been carrying out professional and excellent work for many years, at an international forefront. With these changes, the groups will benefit from all the professional expertise within the organisation. 

• The activities of wasps divided into a Centre for Environmental Monitoring and a Centre for Social and Physical Activity. 

We will work proactively to increase job opportunities for those in the employment group. We will also strive to further eliminate the stigma against disabled people by being visible in the mainstream job market. 

Thordis says the city's institutions are being encouraged to take part. „Yes, this is a call to action. Every little bit helps if everyone pitches in,“ she says. 

The case was brought before the Family Council of Hafnarfjörður Municipality on Wednesday, 9 September. The council welcomed the clear progress of the case. „This development contributes to an improved quality of life, stronger community participation and equal opportunities to utilise one's talents and skills,“ states its minutes from the meeting.