Foundation Equal Opportunities

Project idea

The “Resource Center for Parents of Adolescents with Mental Disabilities” project is an initiative designed to establish a comprehensive support system for families raising children with special psychological needs. The center will offer a variety of services, including educational programs, psychological support, expert consultations, and rehabilitation activities.

The primary goal of the project is to alleviate the burden on parents who are often overwhelmed by time, financial constraints, and a lack of information when raising children with mental disabilities. The project also aims to prevent parental burnout, improve family dynamics, and support the development and social integration of adolescents.

To achieve these objectives, the project will implement the following measures:

Rehabilitation support for 20 participant families, including:

• Educational and awareness-raising course “Special Adulthood” to improve parental competence.
• Individual and group psychological counseling.
• Consultations with specialized experts.
• Group classes led by art therapists and fitness instructors (yoga, Pilates).
• Opportunities for remote learning and work in a co-working space.

Short Stay Group (SSG) for 20 adolescents with mental disabilities, including:

• Communication sessions with a behavioral therapist.
• Adaptive physical education classes.
• Career guidance trainings.
• Basic labor skills training.

The project will ensure the functioning of the SSG through the work of supervisors, specialists and 30 student volunteers who have undergone special training. The implementation of this project will help parents overcome the challenges of raising children with mental disabilities, utilize the necessary resources, bring harmony to psychological and emotional condition, enhance social engagement, and improve the family’s financial stability.

The initiative will be rolled out in the city of Oryol from December 2023 to May 2024, reaching 20 families and offering the support they need to improve their quality of life.

Relevance

In the Oryol region, there are over 3,000 children with disabilities, more than 50% of whom are affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The parents of these children face several challenges:

Employment issues: The need for constant supervision of their children makes it difficult for parents to maintain stable employment, affecting the family’s financial health.

Emotional burnout: Caring for children with special needs leads to physical and emotional exhaustion among parents.

Lack of social engagement: Children with ASD often experience limited socialization and struggle to fully integrate into society.

Support deficit: Many parents of children with mental disabilities feel isolated and lack the necessary social support.

The “Resource Center for Parents of Adolescents with Mental Disabilities” project addresses these challenges by offering:

 Rehabilitation services for parents: Psychosocial, physical, and creative rehabilitation will help parents restore their energy and improve their emotional well-being.

Workspaces for parents: The center will provide remote work areas for parents, allowing them to work while their children attend classes, thereby helping maintain financial stability.

Support groups and educational activities: Parents will receive essential information, support, and skills to aid in raising children with ASD.

Social activities for children: Children will have the opportunity to improve their social skills, engage with peers, and increase their overall activity.

Creation of a parent community: The center will foster a supportive environment where parents can share experiences, resources, and advice.

Social effect

An increase in the number of families doing well while raising children with mental disabilities by establishing a resource center that provides comprehensive support, fostering a stronger, more connected community.