Something in common – something different

Nordplus cooperation project on services for people with disabilities

The training centre in Bæjarhraun is a participant in a Nordplus project on the ideology and approaches in services for disabled people. It is a two-year collaborative project between three countries, namely Iceland, Lithuania and Norway, entitled „Something common – something different“. Being able to communicate with others is a human right.

Everyone should have the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2018), more than one billion people, or about 15% of the world's population, have a disability, and according to the United Nations, people with disabilities are the world's largest minority group. New service solutions must constantly be created and developed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and independent life. The collaboration between Iceland, Lithuania and Norway in this project has primarily focused on sharing experience and knowledge about new technologies and possibilities, and as a result, various interesting service solutions have been presented.  The group as a whole has been introduced to different philosophies and a variety of communication methods, as well as getting to know the innovations taking place in communication technology, such as specialised communication computers. The aim of this project is to exchange experience and knowledge regarding the approaches used at the various service locations.

Communication training, communication, facilitative guidance and communication aids   

The first part of the partnership project was held from 6th to 10th March here in Hafnarfjörður, with a visit from twelve partners from Lithuania and Norway, including three individuals with support needs. At the start of the visit, the group received a presentation from Hrönn Hilmarsdóttir, Manager of Development and Operations in the Disability Services Department for the City of Hafnarfjörður, about the municipality's services for disabled people. Next, the group was introduced to communication training at the Hæfingarstöðin, the Snoezelen philosophy, Intensive Interaction and Guided Supported Transition (GTI), along with other working practices and the organisation there. A staff member from the Safety Centre, Hrönn Birgisdóttir, an occupational therapist, presented various assistive devices and guidance on the use of communication aids. In addition, the groups were invited to presentations at various service locations in the town, as well as elsewhere in the capital region. The second part of the project will take place in Lithuania this summer, where one service user from the Training Centre and three staff members will be introduced to, amongst other things, the philosophy and approaches used in that country. The third and final part of the project will then take place in the autumn and involves a visit to Norway.