Inclusion Platform | 2023

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Toolkit

pATHS TO INCLUSION

TOOLKIT

On this page you can find a complete manual on activities for multi-capacity groups. In addition, you can download the complete manual as well as the chapters with the activities in PDF format. Each activity has several adaptations.

Chapter 1. Some Concepts

Concept of Disability

Disability has been defined by a medical approach up until recently. This approach was dominantly based on pity and charity towards people with disabilities, which should be “cured” or “fixed” in order to fit in society. Disability movement has worked actively to overcome this medical model and to spread a notion of disability based on a social approach. While the medical model is based on the persons’ “lack of ability” due to their “impairment”, the social model focuses on “disability” due to surrounding barriers, which are put by society itself. Misconceptions, stigmas and stereotypes about disability as well as inaccessible environments create barriers for people with disabilities from attaining their right to full and equal participation in society. 

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) states that “disability is an evolving concept and results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”. UNCRPD -entered into force on 3 May 2008- also defines “persons with disabilities” as persons including those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”. Therefore, the notion of “disability” is not fixed and can alter, depending on the prevailing environment from society to society. Disability is not considered as a medical condition, but rather as a result of the interaction between negative attitudes or an unwelcoming environment with the condition of particular persons.  Examples of these can be seen everywhere from stairs into buildings, reading materials in inaccessible formats, and prevailing negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities. The more barriers, the less likely persons with disabilities are able to participate in society. By removing attitudinal and environmental barriers – as opposed to treating persons with disabilities as problems to be fixed – those persons can participate as active members of society and enjoy the full range of their rights.

The Convention does not restrict coverage to particular persons; rather, the Convention identifies persons with long-term physical, mental, intellectual and sensory disabilities as beneficiaries under the Convention.  The reference to “includes” assures that this need not restrict the application of the Convention and States parties could also ensure protection to others, for example, persons with short-term disabilities or who are perceived to be part of such groups.

 

People with disabilities are considered the world’s largest minority. WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that over one billion people, about 15% of the world’s population, have some form of disability in the world today. Increasingly vocal and well organised disability movements changed the paradigm from viewing disability as a personal tragedy towards viewing disability as a human rights issue. The work of such disability movements led to a “Nothing about us, without us!” approach to the issue, and to a policy shift from the medical model to the social and human rights based models: from the “patient” to the citizen with the following key principles; inclusion, participation, accessibility, non-discrimination, respect for difference and diversity, equality of opportunities and respect for inherent dignity. Persons with disabilities are part of human diversity and being human has a broad spectrum of possibilities including many ways of walking, seeing, thinking, communicating, interacting, etc. Despite all the differences, persons with and without disabilities are part of the same society and have the same rights and obligations.

Food for thought: What are the human rights of persons with disabilities?

 

Ableism

Ableism is the social prejudice against people with disabilities and discrimination based on the belief that typical abilities are superior and disabled people are inferior. It mostly shows itself in the forms of obvious oppressive, abusive behaviours however it does not only refer to consciously discriminatory behaviours but also to the way that people unconsciously relate to people with disabilities. The unconscious part of discriminatory attitudes is much harder to tackle than conscious acts of discrimination, but both need to be equally targeted in the struggle for human rights. For example discriminatory approach in hiring/not hiring people with disabilities is an ableist act but failing to incorporate accessibility into building design plans or talking to a person with a disability like they are a child are also ableist actions.

Some other examples of ableism:

-The assumption that people with disabilities want or need to be ‘fixed’

-Using disability as a punchline, or mocking people with disabilities

-The eugenics movement of the early 1900s

-The mass murder of disabled people in Nazi Germany

-Choosing an inaccessible venue for a meeting or event, therefore excluding some participants

-Framing disability as either tragic or inspirational in news stories, movies, and other popular forms of media

-Using the accessible bathroom stall when being able to use the non-accessible stall without pain or risk of injury

-Questioning if someone is ‘actually’ disabled, or ‘how much’ they are disabled

Food for thought: What other ableist behaviours or attitudes do you recognize?



Types of Disability

Disability types include various impairments that can hamper or reduce a person’s ability to carry out their day-to-day activities. These impairments can be termed as disability of the person to do his/her day-to-day activities. Disability can be broken down into a number of broad sub-categories, which include the following 8 main types of disability:

  • Mobility/Physical disabilities

Disability in mobility can be either an in-born or acquired with age. It could also be the effect of a disease. People who have a broken bone also fall into this category of disability. This category of disability includes people with varying types of physical disabilities, including; upper or lower limb(s) disability, manual dexterity impairment.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries

This kind of injury mostly occurs due to severe accidents. The injury can be either complete or incomplete. In an incomplete injury, the messages conveyed by the spinal cord are not completely lost. Whereas a complete injury results in a total dysfunctioning of the sensory organs. In some cases, spinal cord disability can be a birth defect.

  • Head/Brain Injuries

A disability in the brain occurs due to a head/brain injury. The magnitude of the brain injury can range from mild, moderate and severe. There are two types of brain injuries; Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

  • Visual impairment

Visual impairment is defined as a decreased or totally lost ability to see to a degree that causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses or medication. Visual impairment can be due to disease, trauma, brain and nerve disorders, congenital or degenerative conditions. Terms mostly used to describe people with visual impairments are “partially sighted”, “low vision” and “totally blind”. Eye disorders which can lead to visual impairments can include retinal degeneration, albinism, cataracts, glaucoma, muscular concerns that result in visual disturbances, corneal disorders, diabetic retinopathy, congenital disorders, and infection. 

  • Hearing impairment

Hearing loss, deafness, hard of hearing or hearing impairment, is defined as a partial or total inability to hear. In children, it may affect the development of language and can cause work related difficulties for adults. Hearing loss is caused by many factors, including genetics, age, exposure to noise, illness, chemicals and physical trauma. People who are partially deaf can often use hearing aids to assist their hearing. Deaf people use sign language as a means of communication.

  • Speech impairment

A speech disorder refers to any condition that affects a person’s ability to produce sounds that create words. Speech disorders affect a person’s ability to form the sounds that allow them to communicate with other people. They are not the same as language disorders. Speech disorders can affect people of all ages. Some types of speech disorder include stuttering, apraxia, and dysarthria. 

  • Cognitive/Learning

Learning or intellectual disabilities are defined by diminished cognitive and adaptive development. Some cognitive disabilities have a base in physiological or biological processes within the individual, such as a genetic disorder or a traumatic brain injury. Other cognitive disabilities may be based in the chemistry or structure of the person’s brain. Persons with more profound cognitive disabilities often require assistance with aspects of daily living. Persons with minor learning disabilities might be able to function adequately despite their disability, maybe to the point where their disability is never diagnosed or noticed. (e.g: Down Syndrome, Autism spectrum, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dementia, ADHD)

  • Psycho-social disorders

A psychosocial disability arises when someone with a mental health condition interacts with a social environment that presents barriers to their equality with others. Psychosocial disability may restrict a person’s ability to: be in certain types of environments. concentrate. have enough stamina to complete tasks. Some examples of psychosocial disabilities include: Mood disorders; such as depression and bipolar disorder, schizoid disorders; such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, anxiety disorders; such as anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

  • Invisible disabilities

Not all disabilities are visible. An invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities. Unfortunately, the very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings,  false perceptions, and judgments. Invisible disabilities are such symptoms as debilitating fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunctions and mental disorders, as well as hearing and eyesight impairments and more.

  • Short Stature/Dwarfism

Dwarfism is short stature (abnormal skeletal growth) which can be caused by over 300 genetic or medical conditions. It is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or less, with the average height of someone with dwarfism being 4 feet (Mayo Clinic). Children with dwarfism may experience a delay in developing motor skills, however, dwarfism does not have a link to any intellectual disability.

  • Persons who look different

Some people may not be limited in their life activities, but they are treated as if they have a disability because of their appearance. People with facial differences, such as cleft lip or palate, cranio-facial disfigurement, or a skin condition; people who are above or below the average height or weight; people who may display visible effects of medication, such as a tremor—in short, people who look different—have the frequent experience of finding people staring at them, looking away or looking through them as if they are invisible.

  • Persons with Tourette Syndrome

Persons with Tourette Syndrome may make vocalisations or gestures such as tics that they cannot control. A small percentage of people with Tourette Syndrome involuntarily say ethnic slurs or obscene words.

  • Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is an impairment that makes it difficult for the person to control their muscles, which has an effect on their movements and sometimes speech (in varying degrees). But this doesn’t mean that they have limited intellectual capacities or a cognitive disability. Therefore, it’s better to start interaction assuming the highest possible level of intellectual skills and simplify if this person with cerebral palsy also has cognitive disability.

 

Food for thought: 

  • Have you ever met people with any of the above types of disabilities? 

  • Do you have any friends, family members, colleagues or participants with disabilities? 

  • When you meet persons with disabilities, do you generally find yourself focusing on their disabilities or abilities?

Chapter 2. Concept of inclusion

Social inclusion means improving participation for all in society through enhancing opportunities, equal access to resources, having a voice and respect for everybody ́s rights. It requires the distribution of opportunities and resources in a way that minimises disadvantage and marginalisation.

Inclusion is a human right. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognises the right to equality in education and participation of people with disabilities.

 

-inclusion is about:

  •  encouraging the intercultural encounters to considerer diversity as a richness, not a danger

  • enabling ALL the youngsters of all backgrounds, especially those more excluded/vulnerable and/or with fewer opportunities:

  • to have the same opportunity and co-create the framework with respect to all needs and backgrounds, especially with respect to learning/education, and access to youth work and the labor market in general

  • to be listened, heart and given the safe space to express themselves, as well as taking part in their communities and in decision making processes

  • to take part in Youth action and have their say and to influence at the end of the day the shaping of the evolving-Europe

  • to provide access for everyone to empowering resources and processes

  • taking into account the needs of young people and youth work organisations

  • and engaging in general all the professional multi-level experiences (educators, youth workers, psychologist, sociologists), volunteers forces and stakeholders involved in the youth policies development, as well as in sustainable development policies in general

So, it is about enlarging the participation of all the youngsters and deepening their participation in terms of reach and impact of the participation process, as well as, to some extent, including all the stakeholders.

Here are a few inclusive glossaries about inclusion and diversity:

  1. https://students.wustl.edu/glossary-bias-terms/
  2. https://epi.washington.edu/sites/default/files/website_documents/DEI%20Glossary_Formatted_20190711.pdf
  3. https://seramount.com/research-insights/glossary-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/

Mixed-ability groups

 

Young people with disabilities do not always have an opportunity to take part in youth activities together with their peers without disabilities due to inaccessibility and/or psycho-social barriers. Therefore, a relatively smaller group of active youngsters with disabilities tend to be organised in disability networks or youth branches of DPOs (disabled people’s organisations) where there is always a considerable risk of being part of a closed, disability-based community. On the other hand, some of the youth organisations are running local, national or international “disability themed projects” where young people with disabilities are excluded from interacting with their peers without disabilities. While most of the youth organisations still avoid or hesitate involving young people with disabilities, the ones involving “only” young people with disabilities in their projects are also failing to ensure the inclusiveness of the international learning mobility activities.

SALTO-YOUTH Inclusion defines a mixed-ability group as one that provides “positive experiences of working, playing and simply being together, when breaking down barriers and taking on challenges”. An inclusive mixed-ability group reflects diversity in society. It means creating and maintaining a space where everyone’s needs are met so that all young people, not just those with disabilities, can take part. It is about making sure that all participants have a sense of belonging to the group and that they feel included in the process, respected and valued. This can be achieved by seeing the person as a whole and by embracing diversity, rather than pigeonholing people into “us” and “them”. Another key factor is to ensure that all individuals treat each other with fairness, tolerance and respect. However respect is not enough, action is needed as well.

A mixed-ability approach recognises that all young people have different abilities and may need support so they can be fully involved. A key aspect of inclusiveness is that not everybody has to do the same thing to contribute, it is also fine to do things in different ways to achieve the desired outcomes. Inclusion happens when we are aware of each other’s needs and adapt to the situations we are in. Inclusion is mostly about attitude and willingness rather than expertise on methodology because there is no such thing as a “one solution” for inclusion.

Building an inclusive mixed-ability group requires comprehensive planning and a good deal of preparation. You simply can not call your activity inclusive if you just invite young people with disabilities to join an existing group of young people without disabilities without acknowledging the individual needs of all participants, not only of the ones with disabilities but all. In the following sections of this toolkit we will be providing you with some guidelines to create and manage an inclusive mixed-ability group.

Food for thought: Do you think it is possible to create a fully inclusive mixed-ability group?

Barriers to participation of young people with disabilities

 

“And what about young people with disabilities? They are here, somewhere pending between the two movements: the youth and the disability. Searching their place, because none of them are yet inclusive enough. The youth one limits them often with the age limit, because by the time young people with disabilities reach out there, it is time to pass to something else, too old, always asking for derogations to participate and that is embarrassing, annoying and time consuming. And the disability movement? Finds young people too young, not experienced enough, etc.”

-Loredana Dicsi – Membership, Internal Communication and Youth Officer, European Disability Forum

Young people with disabilities can experience a range of barriers to inclusion and can be excluded from important community activities, resources and services that promote decision making, citizenship, leadership and influence. All youth organisations need to consciously and systematically ensure their inclusion strategies the direct provision of services and activities are appropriate for youth with disabilities.

Some of the barriers to participation of young people with disabilities in youth projects:

  • Lack of information about opportunities

  • Low self-esteem, and confidence in their own skills and abilities

  • Lack of family and community support (discouraging approaches)

  • Having supportive but overprotective families

  • Lack of information about programme accessibility, or fear of inaccessibility

  • Limited English language skills

  • Lack of voice and visibility

  • Lack of social skills and knowledge of one’s rights to participate

  • Lack of facilities, access, skills and knowledge related to working with young people with disabilities

  • Reluctance to work with or for young people with disabilities, since it is considered “challenging”

  • Fear of the extra efforts and costs; misconception that organizing mixed-ability projects are way too expensive

  • Lack of projects by and with young people with disabilities – most projects are done for them

  • Assumptions based on no evidence about the actual potential and capacity of young people with disabilities

  • Differing visibility of disabilities (“minority within a minority”) – for example, the needs of young people with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities and deaf-blind or hard-of-hearing participants are more easily overlooked.

Food for thought: What kind of assumptions do I / does my organization have regarding disability? Which habits can I/my organisation easily change?

Ways to better reach out and involve young people with disabilities

 

In order to organise mixed ability group youth projects it is initially needed to reach out to the target group. Due to the barriers identified in the previous section, this could be the most tricky and challenging part. Because literally no participants with disabilities, no mixed ability groups. Reaching out to the young people with disabilities means using appropriate communication strategies directly addressing them. But making contact with the youngsters is not enough; we need to inform and engage their families as well. In that sense organising an accessible info session could be helpful. Former participants with and without disabilities with positive experiences of inclusive youth activities could be invited to share good practices. Inviting family members of both groups could be helpful to share their concerns or fears regarding their children interacting with each other.

 

On the other hand, communication materials should address all young people you want to reach. Mentioning in your call for participants that you are openly inviting applications from young people with disabilities can make a big difference, as it opens people’s minds to the fact that these opportunities are theirs to pursue, and their participation is welcome. However do this only if you are ready to adapt the activity according to the needs of these potential participants with disabilities. Do not welcome anyone for the sake of welcoming, be prepared!

 

Adding clear information on the physical accessibility of the activity venue, the availability of sign language interpreters, information on personal assistants, readable materials, accessible transfer, content and daily programme, details on the application/selection process and deadlines etc. could be very helpful and encouraging to apply. In addition to using mainstream online and offline channels, it’s worth reaching out to places where young people with disabilities study (universities, high schools, life long learning centers..etc.), socialise (community centers, youth centers) and work, self-advocacy groups and disability community organisations etc. Cooperate with relevant partners such as DPOs who already have a relationship with these young people. 

 

It is not always an easy task to fill in an application form and not everybody is good at expressing themselves in written format. Therefore it’s better to adjust the application process, be flexible with deadlines, simplify the questions, avoid long forms, leave spaces for extra comments, actually not only people with disabilities but also everybody could benefit from. Alternative means of application could also be helpful for some people who may have difficulties in explaining things on paper but better express themselves face to face or on a video call (e.g. Deaf youngsters). 

 

It’s also important to formulate the questions accordingly to get adequate information on the disability situation and related needs of the person. That is to say, it is recommended to avoid asking “Do you have any special needs?” but instead you can ask;

“Do you consider yourself to have a disability/difficulty that the organisers should be aware of in order to accommodate the activity for your needs?”

“Will you be accompanied by a personal assistant?”

“Do you require an adapted room?”  

“Do you need adapted transport?” 

“Do you use a mobility aid such as a wheelchair, walker or cane?” 

“Do you need a palantypist or sign language interpretation?”

“Do you use assistive technologies?” 

“Do you need alternative materials in a certain format?” 

“Do you have any dietary needs?”

Food for thought: 

How to prepare the participants for a mixed ability group activity?

 

Preparing young people for the experience of a mixed ability group project is very important, so that their expectations are met. For some young people with disabilities, such as people with anxiety disorders or autism, having an orientation period and clarification of what will happen might be useful and prevent many possible issues from arising. An early and well developed preparation process supports the development of ownership in the project, a sense of belonging and quality of engagement. 

 

In a mixed ability group experience some of the participants will meet their peers whom they may have not been in contact with earlier. Therefore it’s important to prepare them for the topic of disability in youth activities. There can be a lot of insecurities in the room. Young people with disabilities who experience discrimination and exclusion in everyday life may worry that this will also happen during the project. Some young people with disabilities may lack knowledge or understanding of the needs of people with impairments different from their own. 

 

Young people without disabilities on the other hand may be afraid that they are doing something wrong or are fearful of confrontation because of the images of people with disabilities they have in their minds. It may help to think about short getting to know activities before the actual project in national teams that they can do together where they get to know each other, experience new things together, build trust and confidence and slowly adjust to the group setting starting from this small and comfortable group. 

 

It’s also essential to work on right attitudes towards people with disabilities and raise awareness of exclusive and discriminatory behaviours before the project.

It is very helpful for the group to set ground rules they discuss and agree on, based on mutual respect. These rules should not necessarily be disability related, on the contrary they should cover the needs and sensitivities of all. Make it visible that, as the facilitators or the organisers, you are also signatory of these ground rules decided. These guiding questions might help to start the discussions and set the common rules;

-What do you need to feel comfortable in this group?

-What situations would you like to avoid? 

-What do you expect others to be respectful of?

 

Food for thought: 

CHECKLISTS:

Self assessment as an organizer/facilitator:

YES

NO

Have I involved and consulted young people with disabilities, youth workers, experts with disabilities to develop the activity materials/resources and training/learning methods?

  

Am I prepared enough? 

  

Have I clarified my objectives before the activity?

  

Am I well informed about the target group composition, profile and their specific needs?

  

Am I also aware of the needs of the young people without disabilities in the group?

  

Have I chosen the proper content/methodologies for my objectives and my target group’s profile?

  

Do I have enough time, space, commitment, skills, and personal resources to ensure inclusion?

  

Who am I including and excluding by my decisions, actions? Am I aware of this?

  

Am I personally ready to experience and learn about inclusion?

  

Am I aware of my own misconceptions, stereotypes and limits? How can I work on them?

  

Am I aware that everyone can experience barriers to learning and participation?

  

Am I flexible enough to adapt to unexpected situations? Do I have a plan B, C,D….?

  

Do I have a risk mitigation plan?

  

Do I have a team to back-up and support me through this experience? Are they well prepared?

  

Am I trusting and enjoying the process?

  

Checklist for logistic and practical preparations: (TO BE SORTED)

YES

NO

Have you designed the application process in an accessible and inclusive way?

  

Have you conducted the recruitment process in a transparent and fair way?

  

Have you checked all possible travel options and chosen the most convenient for the participants with different needs?

  

Have you checked whether accessible transportation between the airport/train-bus station and the project venue is available? If not, have you organised accessible transfers accordingly?

  

Have you picked the venue that meets the accessibility needs of the participants? Have you considered going on a prospect visit before the activity, preferably with a wheelchair user young person in your team?

  

Have you checked the facilities (e.g. restaurant, leisure time spaces) with regard to accessibility-including vertical and horizontal mobility- and made necessary adjustments?

  

Do the entrances, accommodation and bathroom facilities meet the accessibility needs of the participants? 

  

Are the bedrooms of the participants with disabilities close or easy to reach the meeting room by themselves?

  

Is there braille signalisation or raised signs and symbols in places where the blind participant would go?

  

Is the lighting in the meeting room convenient for the needs of the participants? (e.g. should be not too dark for low sighted participants, not too bright for the persons with albinism)

  

Are there enough accessible rooms for the group?

  

Are there accessible toilets close to the meeting rooms and the restaurants in order to avoid going all the way to the accessible bedroom every time for the toilet?

  

Are the dietary needs and preferences of the participants considered?

  

Have you prepared information in an accessible format on the practicalities that participants need to consider before and during the project/activity?

  

Have you searched and made a list of the companies that hire/sell/repair assistive equipment (wheelchairs, batteries, hoists, walking canes, hearing aids, etc.) in case it’s needed?

  

Do participants need any kind of assistance to participate? Did they request a personal assistant? Did you ask for this information in the application form?

  

Have you checked whether your participants have any medical conditions that may require urgent attention during the activities such as epilepsy, diabetes or allergies? If yes, what medication do they need? 

  

Have you made a list of emergency contact numbers of people who are familiar with the needs of participants with disabilities and how to deal with them (parents, caregivers, doctors)

  

Have you checked if any of the participants require a guided orientation tour inside and around the venue upon arrival?

  

Have you checked if any of the participants require a hearing induction loop?

  

Have you checked if any of the participants require sign language interpretation?

  

Have you checked if any of the participants require a palantypist?

  

Have you checked if any of the participants require a guide dog? If yes have you checked are guide dogs allowed in your venue?

  

Have you checked if any of the participants with visual impairments require assistive software, hardware equipment?

  

Have you considered planning sufficient free time needed by participants with disabilities in between sessions?

  

Have you carefully planned the activity programme considering the group’s needs and expectations?

  

Have you adapted the methods, approaches and activities to be accessible and inclusive for everyone in the group?

  

Have you placed the materials within reach (e.g. pens, markers, papers, sticky tapes) and not in inaccessible places?

  

Have you placed flipcharts to write on at a lower level, within reach of people in wheelchairs?

  

Have you removed materials/cables/decoration/sharp objects lying around on the floor which might create danger or obstacle for blind participants and/or wheelchair users?

  

Have you placed the coffee break items (coffee machine, cups, refreshments, plates..etc.) easy to be reached by all the participants independently?

  

Have you checked/double checked safety procedures and arrangements for the location of the project/activity? Are there any adapted alarms or what could be done to adapt emergency procedures for your group’s needs?

  

Is there anyone in your team having first aid qualification?

  

Have you considered creating a backup communication system via whatsapp, messenger or SMS?

  

Tips for better including and engaging yp with different abilities (the Deaf yp)

 

Deaf and hard of hearing youth

There are a wide variety of hearing disabilities, ranging from people that can hear when they use assistive equipment (hearing aids, cochlear implants..etc), to people who do not hear anything. People that were deaf at birth have learned to communicate in visual ways (e.g. sign language has its own grammar, lexicon and idioms). Speaking or writing a verbal (foreign) language is often a second or third language for them. Some Deaf or hard-of-hearing people can lip-read and some use sign language. There are a number of Deaf people who have a speech impairment but others speak fluently. Deaf does not mean mute and mute does not mean Deaf.

So basically it’s better not to presume that one particular way of communication is applicable for all Deaf.

 

Guiding tips for the youth workers, facilitators, trainers, youth leaders to be used while working with Deaf and hard of hearing young people:

It’s better TO…

It’s better to find out what assistive equipment or methods they use for communication via application forms or early communication with your participants.

If you prepare an application form for your activity to be filled in by Deaf participants, it’s better to use uncomplicated, clear, simple and short questions. You may also prepare application forms as videos and receive the answers in sign language as well.

A common mistake many people make is to shout louder at Deaf persons when they don’t understand. Instead it’s better to repeat more clearly what you said before (if the Deaf person lip-reads), use other words and gestures or allow time for other ways of communication (writing, etc.)

If the Deaf or hard-of-hearing people can lip-read, it’s better to speak face to face with these persons, keep eye contact, so they can see your lips, pronounce words clearly and articulately but without overdoing it. 

It’s better to provide enough time, sometimes more than usual for each activity, task or the assignment and make sure everything is clearly understood by everyone before starting. In case of need, it’s always better to repeat the clarifications, establish a new method of communication like: visual instructions, written questions..etc., because not everybody is processing the information at the same time.

People with hearing impairments need to concentrate on the gestures, expressions and lips of others so well planned sufficient and indirect lighting and distance is necessary. It’s better to make sure the background of the speaker is not distracting.

If you have a group consisting of 10-30 participants, in the big group sessions it’s better to sit/stand in circle shape, therefore everyone can see each other.

Sign language interpreters ideally work in teams of two or three and they must be able to see any sign language users in the room and the users must be able to see them. The active interpreter stands next to the facilitator or the speaker. If you choose to work with a sign language interpreter it’s better to make sure that they are well positioned, you leave enough time for interpreting and possible questions after that. It’s also better to speak in coherent blocks, take a pause and when the signing is finished ask your questions to which participants can react.

It’s always better to speak directly to the person, not the interpreter.

It’s better to ask regularly if the interpreter has enough time and ask pro-actively if the participant has a question or something to add. You could learn the basic sign language for “do you understand?” or “is it clear?” and use this regularly.

Either in small working groups or in the big group circle, during the debates it’s better to facilitate the session in a way that always one participant speak at a time, they don’t cut each other off and speak one by one after being allowed by the facilitator. In case the participants find it necessary, it is also favorable that the person speaking stands up so that the other participants visually can follow who is currently speaking.

Note that sign language is different in different countries! So it usually does not work to have sign language as a communication tool between people with hearing impairments from different countries (even though some basics can be the same). In any case sign language is their natural language and significant element of their Deaf Culture. Therefore it’s better to include games, activities and/or positive messages promoting sign language into your programme. Sincere appreciation of their language and culture motivates them, facilitates their learning process, increases their emotional engagement and sense of belonging.

It’s better to gain Deaf people’s attention before starting to say something – i.e. you can tap the person gently on the shoulder or arm, wait till the person turns to you, make a visible gesture or flash the lights of the working room.

It’s better to agree with the group on visual ways to start and end a session or activity, e.g. after a break, rounding off working groups – you could switch the lights on & off, use different colour lights, etc. it is important is to keep Deaf people within visual distance, so that it is easier for you to attract their attention, e.g. for rounding off an exercise and for calling them back from small working groups.

It’s better to give active responsibilities to the Deaf participants, however better to let them volunteer for that responsibility rather than delegating without asking, such as leading, moderating a small group work, presenting the group work results,  taking pictures or videos, keeping the meeting room tidy, etc.

With the Deaf, it’s better to write or visualise everything you say (e.g. provide handouts, write on the board or flipcharts,…). Speaking of writing it’s better to keep the written material as simple and clear as possible.

To make yourself understood, it’s better to provide an example, make a demonstration, show a video in sign language or with closed captioning (cc) to clarify (e.g. of energisers, games, expected flipcharts coming from group work)

When having group discussions, it’s better to agree on a sign for the Deaf participants which they can use to indicate they want to contribute. Some Deaf or hard-of-hearing persons have speech disorders which can make it difficult to understand them.

It’s better to create a fair, diverse, equal, respectful, open-minded, positive, constructive and collaborative -instead of competitive- learning atmosphere by making learning a meaningful, pleasant journey shared with their peers.

It’s better to either install an ‘induction loop system’ for the benefit of people with hearing aids in the meeting room or search for a meeting room that already has the system installed. With this system the sound is transmitted as a magnetic field, and those with hearing aids designed to receive induction loop sounds can, a bit like a TV aerial.

Hearing aids are the best all-around solution for people with hearing loss, but other assistive listening devices (ALD) can help them navigate specific communication demands. A frequency-modulated (FM) system is an ALD that makes it easier for people with hearing loss to hear what others are saying in noisy environments, like a theater, school, church, museum or other public places. If your hard of hearing participants require an assistive listening devices and it is not possible to have a meeting room with an induction loop system, it’s better to provide an FM system.

Most Deaf and hard of hearing people cannot hear fire alarms. It’s better to make sure you know exactly where they are located in the building in case of emergency and what to do. You could also make an emergency division of tasks for all participants.

It’s better to create a backup communication and visual based sharing system via Facebook groups, SMS, Whatsapp or any other instant messaging system.

Last but not least, as a youth worker, leader, facilitator or trainer, it’s always better to learn sign language and communicate with them by yourself directly. Because even with a quality sign language interpretation, some of the information is lost during the interpretation.

 

It’s better NOT TO…

It’s better not to use abstract concepts while preparing your activity or training content.

In order to avoid misunderstandings it’s better not to speak too fast and not to hesitate asking or approaching directly to them in case you need to.

It’s better not to obscure your lip movements with your hands, chewing gum, a cigarette, etc.

It’s better not to interrupt the interpreter while working.

It’s better not to feel embarrassed to ask them to repeat. If you don’t understand them, say so, and revert to alternative ways of communication (writing, sign language with translation). There is always another way.

The Deaf people can party and dance, they can feel the beat (add a bit of extra bass) or dance to the light show based on the music (according to rhythm). It’s better not to avoid using these fun tools in your sessions.

Tips for better including and engaging yp with different abilities (the blind yp)

 

It’s better TO…

  • It’s better to find out what assistive equipment or methods they use for communication via application forms or early communication with your participants.

  • For a partially sighted or blind person, the communication in some space can be hard because of no eye contacts, it’s better to speak clearly with these persons, be sure they get that you are speaking with them, because it can happen that they hear you, but in the caos they didn’t get you are speaking with them.

  • It’s better to provide enough time, sometimes more than usual for each activity, task or the assignment and make sure everything is clearly understood by everyone before starting. In case of need, it’s always better to repeat the clarifications, and double check with the participants if everything is clear and if is need it some practical adjustment to the activities.

  • To make yourself understood, it’s better to double check and double explain some aspect and clarify e.g. of energisers, games… It is important to explain one more what will happen so that the people are prepared of what is going on.

  • If you have visually impaired persons in the groups, it’s better to prepare the activities using less visual tools as possible. Anyway it’s important and it’s better to describe properly every time are you using visual tool or supports.

  • If you need/want to show a video, you have to ask, to someone to sit next to a blind or partially sighted person, to describe the visual part of the video it self.

  • An assistant person can be useful but it depends a lot on the participants, it’s better to check it in the application form if the young need it, but generally, it’s always better to ask and involve the whole group in helping other participants.

  • When you ask the group to help the others It’s always better to speak directly to everybody, and give some time to understand which kind of help needs the participants. Anyway is always better to double check which kind of help need and like to have the visually impaired participant.

  • Especially when you explain practical activities, when you describe visual thighs or you take as example the space of the room It’s better to ask: “do you understand?” or “is it clear?”. Not because a blind is stupid but because there are some instruction that for a sighted person are much more fast to get.

  • Especially at the beginning and for the big group of person who doesn’t know eachothers It’s always better that the person speaking says his/her name before speaking so that a Visually impaired can easily understand who is speaking and start to get familiar with the voice of the group members.

  • During plenary activities when the participants are  speaking to the group it’s better that the person speaking says his/her name before speaking so that a Visually impaired can easily understand who is speaking.

  • The wellcome in the venue, a good orientation on the space is very important, is better if you prepare yourself and dedicate some time, because you have to, to explain exactly where they are, how is made the venue, where are the rooms in relation with the activitiy room, where is the canteen, how to reach the canteen from the rooms and/or from the activity room, how to reach the smoking area ecc….

  • In case of emergency a blind can have difficulties to evacuate the building alone. It’s better to make sure you know exactly where they are located in the building in case of emergency and what to do. You could also make an emergency division of tasks for all participants.

  • It’s better to create a communication and sharing system via Facebook groups, SMS, Whatsapp or any other instant messaging system. Will be also a good place where to add working document or digital content that you printed out for the others participants.

  • It’s better to create a fair, diverse, equal, respectful, open-minded, positive, constructive and collaborative -instead of competitive- learning atmosphere by making learning a meaningful, pleasant journey shared with their peers.

  • Last but not least, as a youth worker, leader, facilitator or trainer, it’s always better to learn about common needs of visually impaired persons, what to do or not to do..

It’s better NOT TO…

  • It’s better not to use abstract concepts while preparing your activity or training content.

  • In order to avoid misunderstandings it’s better not to speak too fast and not give space information like over there, here etc… or use personal pronouns like He She Them….

  • Either in small working groups or in the big group circle, during the debates it’s better not to leave that the group speak one over the others, and  facilitate the session in a way that always one participants speaks at a time.

  • When you finish the activities it’s better not to leave chaos on the common areas and re-setup the room as usual so that the “space references” of the blind participants are kept.



Tips for the facilitators/trainers/youth workers, focusing on YW with special needs  (including psycho-social preparation)

Youth workers have the responsibility of providing guidance and support to young people. Youth with special needs have unique needs that require particular attention and care. In order to effectively work with them, it is critical for youth workers to understand the complexities of their needs and have the skills necessary to support them.  This part provides tips for youth workers to consider when working with youth with special needs, including psycho-social preparation.

1. Understand the Needs of Youth with Special Needs

It is important for youth workers to understand the needs of youth with special needs. This includes recognizing the various types of special needs and being aware of the challenges these youth face. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific needs of individual youth, as well as the resources available to support them. Understanding the specific needs of the youth and the resources available will help you better tailor approaches and activities to meet their individual needs.

Questions you can ask yourself are:

·         What types of physical and or mental disabilities do these youth have?

·         What are the psychological, social, and emotional needs of these youth?

·         What type of support do the youth need in order to be successful in their home, school, and community?

·         What type of environment is best suited for the youth’s individual needs?

·         What types of therapies, treatments, or interventions are needed to ensure the youth’s health and well-being?

·         How can I create a safe and supportive atmosphere for them?

·         What types of activities can I provide that will help youth to develop their skills and abilities?

·         Are there any special accommodations or modifications that need to be made to help the youth succeed?

·         What type of resources, supports, or services are available for these youth?

·         Don’t invent the wheel again.  Look around, listen, talk to people/connections you know that work with them!

·         What strategies can be used to promote positive behaviour and reduce challenging behaviours?

 2. Create a Positive and Inclusive Environment

 It is essential to create an environment that is both positive and inclusive. This includes recognizing the unique strengths and abilities of youth with special needs and providing support for them to reach their full potential. It is also important to be aware of the challenges these youth face and provide the necessary resources and services to address them. Additionally, youth workers should strive to create an environment that is free from stigma and discrimination.

Questions you can ask yourself are:

·         What can I do to make sure everyone feels accepted and respected in this group?

·         How can I create a safe, welcoming space for all members of the group?

·         What strategies can I use to ensure that everyone has a voice and feels heard?

·         How can I ensure that all members of the group are given opportunities to participate?

·         What are some ways I can ensure that everyone feels included and valued in the group?

·         How can I create an environment that encourages and celebrates diversity?

·         What can I do to ensure everyone’s needs are taken into account?

·         How can I foster an environment of understanding and empathy?

3. Develop Appropriate Support Strategies

Which kind of questions can you ask yourself how to Develop Appropriate Support Strategies in working with youth with special needs?

Youth workers should strive to develop appropriate support strategies to meet the individual needs of youth with special needs. This includes understanding how to best communicate with these youth and providing appropriate guidance and support. Additionally, youth workers should be aware of the available resources and be able to provide appropriate referrals.

Questions you can ask yourself are:

·         What strategies can I use to help the youth with special needs develop their skills and abilities?

·         How can I best support youth with special needs while they adjust to their new environment?

·         What methods can I use to ensure that the youth with special needs feel comfortable and safe in the setting?

·         How can I best incorporate positive reinforcement into my support strategies?

·         How can I best communicate with the youth with special needs to ensure understanding?

·         How can I best support the youth with special needs in making decisions that are in their best interests?

·         What strategies can I use to help the youth with special needs develop their self-confidence?

·         How can I best ensure that the youth with special needs receive the appropriate services and support they require?

·         How can I best support the youth with special needs in developing their social skills?

·         What strategies can I use to help the youth with special needs develop their problem-solving skills?

Examples of appropriate strategies could be :

·         Develop positive relationships with the youth and their family.

·         Encourage independence and self-advocacy.

·         Offer clear and concise expectations.

·         Provide frequent positive reinforcement.

·         Use visuals to explain tasks and expectations.

·         Break tasks into smaller, achievable steps.

·         Connect the youth with community resources.

·         …

 

4. Ensure Psycho-Social Preparation

Youth workers should ensure that youth with special needs have adequate psycho-social preparation when engaging in activities. This includes helping the youth develop appropriate social skills and self-management strategies. It is also important to ensure that the youth are provided with adequate support and resources to ensure their safety and well-being. Additionally, youth workers should strive to create an environment that is both supportive and empowering.

 

Ways to support this are:

 

·         Establish reasonable expectations for all youth. Make sure to be flexible with those expectations based on individual needs.

·         Provide an environment that is both physical and emotionally safe for all youth. Ensure that all youth feel supported and respected.

·         Utilise positive reinforcement and provide immediate feedback for both successes and challenges.

·         Establish open lines of communication between you, staff and the youth taht is participating (and parents to if needed).

·         Connect youth to appropriate resources and support systems that can help them succeed.

·         Provide positive role models and mentors who can help youth learn and grow.

·         Allow youth to make their own decisions and decisions that are in their best interests.

·         Foster a culture of acceptance, understanding, and respect for all youth.

·         Encourage youth to take risks and make mistakes in a safe and supportive environment.

·         Celebrate the successes of all youth and recognize the accomplishments of each individual.

 

Tips how to take psycho-social preparation into account when you set up activities with young people with special needs are:

·         Establish trust and build rapport. Create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding by engaging in active listening and offering affirmative responses.

·         Respect the individual’s personal boundaries, preferences, and individual pace.

·         Provide clear expectations and structure to the activity, including a plan for positive reinforcement and consequences for inappropriate behaviour.

·         Adjust activities to the individual’s abilities and provide guidance and support throughout the activity.

·         Offer a variety of activities, including physical, creative, and cognitive-based activities, to foster social and emotional development.

·         Utilise strategies to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, such as mindfulness activities and deep breathing techniques.

·         Encourage positive communication and social interactions.

·         Foster independence by gradually introducing more challenges and opportunities for self-advocacy.

·         Provide guidance on how to handle emotions and problem-solving.

·         Monitor the individual’s physical and emotional well-being and provide support as needed.

 

5. Foster Independence and Self-Advocacy

 

Youth workers should strive to foster independence and self-advocacy in youth with special needs. This includes providing opportunities for them to develop and practise their skills, as well as encouraging them to take ownership of their own decisions. Additionally, youth workers should provide guidance and support to help the youth understand their rights and responsibilities.

 

Following these tips, youth workers can better serve youth with special needs. It is important to recognize the complexity of the needs and develop strategies to address them. Additionally, youth workers should strive to create a positive and inclusive environment and ensure adequate psycho-social preparation. Lastly, youth workers should strive to foster independence and self-advocacy in youth with special needs. By following these tips, youth workers can better serve the individual needs of this population.

 

 

Adapting or developing games and exercises for youth with special needs! (This part I revised & shortened below according to the session we did in San Felice)

How to adapt or develop methods for mixed ability groups

As a youth worker what we always do is to adapt our methods to new contexts, timeframes, durations, learning spaces, different group profiles, group needs and changing situations all the time. We need to be creative and be prepared for a lot of unexpected situations when working with youth groups. We generally add or change small elements in the method to work more efficiently with the specific group. The approach is the same for developing inclusive methods. We still can keep using our favourite games and exercises with mixed ability groups only taking into account that we may require more creativity, adaptability and simplifications. Here we have compiled some practical tips and tricks for when you need to adapt existing games/exercises or when you want to develop a new game for your mixed ability group of young people. As a note these tips are not specifically beneficial for mixed ability groups but could be useful for all group activities.

1.   Be aware of disabilities but focus on diverse senses & abilities within the group

Adapting a game for mixed ability groups requires thinking about methods that appeal to different senses and abilities. Some people may be more visual learners, while others may be more auditory learners. Additionally, some people may need to be able to touch or manipulate objects in order to learn or play. Know your group well, learn as much as possible the capabilities and limitations of your participants before the activity. Don’t stick with the inabilities Tailoring methods in a way that allows young people with disabilities to recognize their strengths and abilities, boosts self-confidence and self appreciation rather than limitations. Additionally,  it helps to increase motivation and engagement, and can lead to better outcomes.

 

2.   Don’t leave anyone behind/out!

In mixed ability group settings it is crucial not to leave anyone behind or out because everyone should have the opportunity to participate and have fun. Everyone should be included and respected regardless of their disabilities, and games can be adapted to ensure that everyone can join in and have a good time. Leaving someone out would be unfair and would not create a safe and welcoming environment for all.

 

3.   There are multiple ways to achieve a goal, offer diverse possibilities

Offering multiple ways to achieve a goal in a game is beneficial for a variety of reasons. First, it allows all participants to have a more personalised experience, as they can choose which approach works best for them. This can lead to a greater sense of engagement and satisfaction, as they feel they have greater control over the game. Second, in inclusive settings everybody doesn’t have to do things in the same way. By offering diverse possibilities (e.g. writing, drawing, singing), young people can reach specific goals in ways most appropriate for themselves. Being able to choose independently how you want to reach the goal has an empowering force. If diverse activities are offered, consider giving the space to try them out instead of explaining them. This is necessary because not everybody can visualise activities. By trying them out, young people get a better impression of the activity and the rules.

4.   Offer activities in smaller & bigger groups 

There are many benefits to offering activities and games to youth with disabilities in both small and larger groups. Firstly, activities and games can help to foster a sense of community and belonging among the youth, which is especially important for those with disabilities who may feel isolated or misunderstood. In larger groups, youth with special needs may be exposed to different ideas and perspectives, as well as socialise with peers who have similar experiences.

Smaller groups on the other hand can provide a more intimate and supportive setting where youth may feel more comfortable participating, while larger groups can provide more opportunities for youth to practise communication and collaboration skills. 

5. Keep instructions simple, give space to try!

Ensure that the rules of the game you selected are not complicated to play but also to explain and make sure they are clearly communicated to all participants prior to the start of the game.When introducing a new exercise or game, it is important to introduce it slowly and gradually increase the speed. This will give the group time to become familiar with the activity and understand the rules better. In any case ask yourself whether the explanation of the rules need to be simplified? If you require, use supporting visual aids to clarify the concept of the game. Don’t start the game without all participants confirmed they understood the purpose and the rules of the game. You can also have a practice run of the game. This helps you check if everybody is on the same page about how the game is played.  If the activity is complex, break it down into smaller, simpler steps. Allow each step to be practised at a slower pace before increasing the tempo. If necessary, repeat the instructions step by step till everybody understands the game. Don’t be afraid to ask for some peers of the group to help you out in explaining the game.

6. Change the rules if needed.  BUT maintain the integrity of the tasks!

Some modifications might be necessary while adapting the games if you think some participants may not be able to participate. However, maintaining the integrity of the tasks in a game is very important because it allows everybody in the group to have an equal chance at achieving their goals. It also ensures that the game is fair and that players are not taking advantage of any loopholes or exploits. If the rules of a game are changed too obviously, and rules are made too easy, it can create an imbalance in the game and lead to frustration among participants. Additionally, it can create an environment of distrust, as participants with disabilities may feel that they are not seen equal as their peers. Making games too easy can also lead to boredom and disinterest in the activity. It can also prevent youth with disabilities from challenging themselves, which can be an important part of developing their skills and confidence.  Additionally, games that are too easy can limit social interaction between the person and others, which can be a valuable part of the activity.

 7.  Don’t rely only and too much on the personal assistants

 

Depending on the type of disability and the specific condition of the person, personal assistants are providing support to the people with disabilities in their daily life activities. There might be trained professional assistants within your group or young people with disabilities might bring their family members or friends as their personal assistants to the activity.  So relying too heavily on them may not be the best choice. It’s more convenient not to transfer all the responsibility of the tasks on to the assistants, instead try to adapt methodologies so that the young person with a disability can be involved as independently as possible. 

  

8.  Safety first!

Under all circumstances, the safety of all your participants is always the priority!  This might include ensuring that the game does not involve any dangerous physical contact or risky equipment. Adjust the methods in a way that there’s no risk of  anyone getting hurt during a game. In order to avoid the risks, try to simulate the game before you apply, double check the safety conditions considering the profile of your group.  

 

 

9. Change the space and setting for variety and stimulation

Think about where you are playing the game or doing the activity. Do you need more space? Do pax all need to be sat on chairs or can the use of the space be more varied? By changing the environment, you can modify a game towards a new cool activity (e.g. instead of playing the game in the meeting room, move the group to the garden or a seaside close by and do the activity there)

10. Don’t make it too fast or too slow

Everybody in a mixed ability group has a different pace of doing things.  Different paces may create frustrations within the group if it is not managed well. Some participants may finish quickly while some others still continue. You should prevent the misconception of “fast is better”. Being aware of this may help you find an optimum rhythm by observing them over a few sessions.

 11. Equipment – Don’t push everybody to use the same materials.  Provide options.

Can you change the equipment or the materials used in an activity? You can use bigger targets, soft balls or equipment that makes a noise. In some particular situations if a participant needs different equipment for a craft or activity due to his/her disability, it may make him/her feel less self-conscious if all the others are given this equipment rather than singling him/her out. It’s better considering the young person’s physical and cognitive abilities when selecting the right equipment. If you are not sure, don’t hesitate to consult with professionals (e.g. physical, occupational and speech therapists) to get their advice on the best equipment for the individual. If the equipment needed is expensive, check out resources and available funding to cover the cost of the equipment. 

12. Involve them in decision making

To ensure that young people are involved in the development of a new game or adaptation of an existing one, it is important to create an open dialogue between you and the youth which you’re going to play with. This could include surveys, focus groups, and other forms of direct feedback. By involving young people in the decision-making process, you and your team can ensure that the final product is tailored to their preferences and expectations.

 

13. Don’t forget about the needs of participants without disabilities.

One reason why this may be happening is because the focus tends to be on making the game accessible for those with disabilities. This can often mean that the attention paid to those without disabilities is not as great as it could/should be. However, organizing mixed ability group activities does not mean only taking the needs of the ones with disabilities into account, but the needs of all.  Either with a disability or not every young person has their own participational needs. Additionally, when adapting a game to include young people with disabilities, sometimes it can be difficult to balance the game so that everyone has an enjoyable experience. This can sometimes mean that the game is not as enjoyable for those without disabilities. The game should be inclusive but still fun and enjoyable for everyone.  Don’t forget this!

14. Always keep in your mind that it’s just an exercise/game.  Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

When adapting a game, we should do our best as much as possible.  But that doesn’t guarantee that it will be fully inclusive for everybody. Failing is quite ok. When something does not go well or any mistake happens, sit down and ask the group for their feedback on how they experience the game and how they would modify the game from their own perspectives.  Use this new knowledge to adjust for the future and try again! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.  Failure is natural and part of the learning process. Trust the process!

 

Risk management

When setting up activities with mixed groups of young people and those with special needs, risk management is an important consideration. It is important to ensure that all participants are safe and that any potential risks are identified and managed appropriately.

The first step in managing risk is to identify the specific types of participants who will be taking part in the activity. This includes considering the age, physical and cognitive abilities, and any medical or mental health issues which may come into play. It is also important to consider the type of activity that you are setting up, as well as the potential hazards which might be present.

 

Once the potential risks have been identified, it is important to create a plan to reduce or eliminate them. This might include providing appropriate supervision, setting clear expectations and rules, and providing any necessary equipment or medical supplies. It is also important to ensure that all participants are aware of any risks and are prepared to follow any safety protocols that have been put in place.

The next step is to create a plan to respond to potential risks should they occur. This includes having a clear plan of action for any emergency situations, as well as ensuring that all participants are aware of the necessary safety protocols and know who to contact in the event of an emergency.

Finally, it is important to monitor the activity and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the risk management plan is effective. This includes regularly assessing the activity and making any necessary changes or adjustments based on the feedback of the participants.

Risk management is an important consideration when setting up activities with mixed groups of young people and those with special needs. By taking the necessary steps to identify, reduce, and respond to potential risks, we can ensure that all participants are safe and that the activity is a positive experience for everyone involved.

Step 1 : Identify the specific types of participants who will be taking part in the activity.

When setting up activities with mixed groups between young people and youth with special needs, it is important to identify the specific types of participants who will be taking part in the activity. Not only will this help ensure that everyone is comfortable and their needs are met, but it will also help make the activity run as smoothly and effectively as possible. There are several key considerations to take into account when identifying the types of participants in a mixed group activity.

First, it is important to consider the overall goals of the activity. Where do you want to focus on with your activity?  Is the goal to foster collaboration and teamwork? Or is the goal to create an enjoyable and safe environment?  It could be that depending on the goals of your activity, different types of participants may be joined or needed. For example, if the goal is to foster collaboration and teamwork, participants who are capable of working together in a positive manner should be selected. If the goal is to create an enjoyable and safe environment, participants who are able to understand and respect each other’s boundaries should be chosen.  And  this despite their special needs that are present within the group.

Second, it is important to consider the abilities and needs of the participants. Are there any special needs, physical or mental, that must be taken into account? It is important to ensure that all participants are capable of participating in the activity and that their needs are met. If there are any participants with special needs (that you know before the start), it is important to identify their  needs and make sure that a support system is in place to ensure their safety and well-being.

Third, it is sometimes important to consider the ages of the participants. Are there any age restrictions or requirements for the activity? If so, it is important to choose/select participants who fall within the specified age range. It is also important to consider the maturity level of the participants in some cases. If the activity is intended for younger participants, it is important to choose/select participants who are able to handle the activity responsibly and respectfully. 

Finally, it is also important to consider the cultural backgrounds of the participants. Are there any cultural considerations that must be taken into account?  Especially when you would like to set up mixed activities with a multicultural group. It is important to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and respected and that the activity is not offensive or insensitive to any of the participants.

Step 2 : Create a plan to reduce or eliminate potential risks that are identified.

Having activities that involve both young people and young people with special needs can be a great way to foster inclusion and acceptance. However, it’s important to be aware of any potential risks that could arise from your activity. By creating a plan to reduce or eliminate any identified risks, you can ensure that everyone involved in the activity is safe and that the activity runs as smoothly as possible.

 

1. Identify Potential Risks: Before you can create a plan to reduce or eliminate any potential risks, you need to identify them. This involves taking into account both the physical environment of the activity and the people involved. Think about any potential hazards that could arise in the environment, such as stairs or slippery floors, and any potential risks to the participants, such as bullying or physical injury.

2. Consider the Needs of All Involved: When creating a plan to reduce or eliminate potential risks, it’s important to consider the needs of everyone involved in the activity. This includes any special requirements that those with special needs may have. Think about how you can best accommodate their needs and ensure everyone’s safety.

3. Create a Risk Assessment: Once you’ve identified potential risks, create a risk assessment to determine how to reduce or eliminate them. This should include a detailed plan for dealing with any potential risks, as well as how to respond if something does occur.

4. Develop an Emergency Plan: In addition to the risk assessment, create an emergency plan in case something does happen. This should include a list of people who can be contacted in the event of an emergency and a plan for how to respond appropriately.  Collect the necessary telephone numbers of the nearest emergency unit, hospital, doctors in case of.

5. Provide Training and Support: Finally, provide training and support for all involved. This should include teaching those with special needs any necessary safety protocols and providing them with any resources they may need to participate in the activity.

Step 3 : Create a plan to respond to potential risks when they occur.

Creating a plan to respond to potential risks when working with mixed groups of young people and those with special needs is an important step in ensuring the safety and success of the project. When working with this type of group, there are a few factors to consider when preparing the plan.

1. Assess the Risks: It is important to assess the potential risks that can arise when working with a mixed group. Identify what activities will take place, who will be present, and how the risks can be managed. This will help determine the necessary steps to take to minimise any potential risks.

 

2. Establish Guidelines: Establish clear guidelines for behaviour and communication with the group. This can include setting expectations for language, presenting boundaries, and discussing appropriate topics. Having these guidelines in place will ensure everyone is on the same page.

3. Create Safety Protocols: Develop safety protocols for any activity that the group will be participating in. This may include having a designated person to monitor the group, having a plan to respond in case of an emergency, and having a plan for how to handle any potential conflicts that may arise.

4. Provide Training: Provide training to all participants on how to handle situations that may arise. This can include how to respond to potential risks, how to recognize warning signs, and how to address any conflicts that may arise.

5. Monitor the Group: It is important to monitor the group during activities to ensure that everyone is behaving appropriately, that people feel safe and that any potential risks are being addressed.

6. Plan for the Unexpected: Prepare for the unexpected by having a backup plan in case of any situation that may arise. This could include having contact information for all participants, having a plan for how to respond to any emergency, and having a plan for how to handle any potential conflicts.

Step 4 : Monitor the activity and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the risk management plan is effective.

Keep your eyes open during the activity.  Whenever you face an emergency, and you handle it accordingly, take time afterwards to learn from your mistakes.  Maybe you need to adjust your emergency plan?  Write down the changes, and take them with you the next time you organise a similar activity! 

You can be sure that you will be better prepared than ever before!

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Tools and Possible Adaptations

Getting to know games

Getting-to-know games or introduction games help participants begin conversation, become more acquainted with each other, their names, interests, experiences, memories, and so on. They help participants to be more alert and active. Besides they help facilitators to create a positive and interactive learning environment, the results are often humorous, interesting and fascinating.

 

 

What’s my name?

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Name game

OBJECTIVES

– to introduce participants to each other and help them learn each other’s names

– to relax and start to get to know each other

– to create a positive and comfortable atmosphere

– to boost the attention and concentration of the participants

– to practice quick learning skills

– to prepare the participants for their upcoming learning process

MATERIALS NEEDED

None

SPACE NEEDED

A large room where all participants can stand in a circle.

TIMING 

30-50 min, depending on the number of the participants. 

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

It can be implemented with any national or international groups on the first day of the project or activity, with a group not knowing each other before the activity

GROUP SIZE

10-30 pax, if the group is bigger it’s better to split up into two groups to play the game

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

The whole group stays in a circle and they say their names one by one, marking it with an expression/movement. The next person has to say the name and to replicate the movement of the person/people before them and introduce themselves and their movement afterwards. The exercise finishes when the last person of the circle repeats all the names and moves and introduces her/himself.

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

It’s always more engaging and encouraging if the facilitator picks a funny movement for herself/himself while explaining the game

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with Deaf  and hearing participants

When there are Deaf participants in the group it’s always good to acknowledge and value their sign language from the very beginning. Accordingly, probably the most commonly used name game in youth projects can be adapted as follows;


Facilitator asks everyone to stand in a circle and after telling about the rules and ensuring that all participants are on the same page. Facilitator starts the game first by teaching the Sign Language Alphabet to the group. In the first part speaking is allowed. Then everybody has to keep silent and only use their hands. First facilitator signs her/his name by using the sign language letters of the name. When the first person is done, the entire group signs the name themselves. Then, the second person introduces him/herself by signing his/her name. The entire group repeats it. This continues until each person has signed their name and the group has repeated everyone’s name in sign language. 

To make the game more fun, at the end you may ask the group whether anyone remembers and would like to try to sign at least 10 person’s name in the group. There are always volunteers to do that.






NOTE TO FACILITATOR

-It’s recommended to run this activity together with a Deaf participant, for instance giving the responsibility of teaching the sign language alphabet to the group and helping the facilitator to check whether everybody’s doing the signs right.


-If the group is international it’s better to use International Sign. If the group is national, it’s better to use the national sign language of the country. 


-It is a good opportunity for the hearing participants to learn the basics of sign language.


-Sign language could be very new to most of the hearing participants in the group, therefore not every participant’s pace to learn and remember would be the same. It’s better to make sure you provide enough time to learn and sign it correctly. In this case receiving support from the Deaf participants would be very useful.



 

MY BFF (My Best Friend Forever)

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Getting to know, bonding activity

OBJECTIVES

-Getting to know each other better

-Create bonding, solidarity, safe and friendly atmosphere from the first day (especially in mixed ability groups it helps to create instant warm connections between participants and help them feel more involved)

-To exercise being more aware of each other’s needs

MATERIALS NEEDED

None

SPACE NEEDED

Relatively large space to be able to work in pairs

TIMING 

30-60 min, depending on the number of the participants. 

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

It can be implemented with any national or international groups, preferably with a group not knowing each other well before the activity

GROUP SIZE

10-30 pax

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

After playing a few name games, participants are asked to go around and pair up with a person that they know about least and had little or no contact with since they arrived at the project venue. A short explanation about the context of what it means being BFF throughout the project, starting from the first day, responsibilities (e.g. to be aware of the needs of all pax in the group but their BFF a bit more, and be there for them when needed, assisting them in case of need, cheering them up anytime they feel low..etc)

Then the BFFs are expected to get to know some particular things about each other by mainly asking some guideline questions provided;

These questions could be;

-what’s your biggest achievement in life

-tell me about a funny/embarrassing moment of yours

-what is one thing that you do much better than everyone?

-do you have a nickname?

-who is the person you made very happy recently?

-what’s your biggest dream?

-which superpower do you have/or you would like to have?

-what’s your favorite book/movie/song?

-find one commonality with your BFF

In order to use the time wisely, generally 4-5 questions are enough. You can pick the questions according to the profile of your group.

You can alternatively ask them to create a hand greeting special to them.

Then all pax are invited to the big group and sit in a circle, preferably next to their BFFs. They are asked to introduce their BFFs to the group.

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • In case the number of the participants is an odd number  (e.g. 17 or 23) the trainer/facilitator may join the game and pair up with a participant. 

  • If the trainer/facilitator does not want to join the game, that’s also fine and alternatively one BFF group may be formed with 3 participants. The rules will be the same but in that case each BFF will be responsible for the other 2 in the group, instead of only one.

  • Some participants may take too long to introduce their BFFs. This can lead the audience to get bored after a couple of presentations. In order to keep the excitement and attention alive and avoid overrunning the time, it is recommended to give max 1 min to each participant to present their BFF. Using a timer could make it more fun for the group, develop their skills to express themselves better in a limited time and help you to finish the activity on time.

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with participants having visual impairments

In the original version participants are asked to pick their BFF. Asking the participants to pair up at the same time could sometimes be confusing for the blind, since mostly the sighted participants pair up quickly through eye contact with the other sighted participants. And it may be difficult to follow who has been paired up or not. Generally the blind participants are passively selected by the sighted participants and do not get the chance to select. In order to avoid this, you can divide the group into two and ask them to stay in two lines facing each other. There will be blind and sighted participants in each group and participants will be paired with the ones across them.

Alternatively you can prepare small tactile papers according to the number of the pairs, 2 per each pair. (e.g triangle shape, square, flower..etc) and ask participants to randomly pick one paper and find the other person with the same shape. 

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

This game has the purpose of getting to know each other and start a bonding process on the very first day. In the other versions of this game, it has been used mainly as a getting to know game, pairing up participants only for the session and not continuing throughout the project. 

But this version has been adapted specially for the mixed ability groups from the assessed need to have a continuous solidarity element between the participants with and without disabilities to enable them to feel the responsibility for each other’s well being and participation. It is not only aiming to provide a friendly support whenever needed (e.g. to find your lost white cane in the meeting room, to wake up in the morning not to be late for the session when you oversleep, to know about your dietary needs and inform the waiter..etc), also a great opportunity for the mixed ability pairs to get to know about the disability directly from a person with a disability. Briefly it is a very multifunctional and resourceful activity.





 

2 Truths and a Lie

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Getting to know, ice breaker game

OBJECTIVES

-Getting to know each other better

-Create a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere

MATERIALS NEEDED

Coloured sticky papers and markers, optionally a soft background music and refreshments to create a cocktail atmosphere

SPACE NEEDED

Medium to large space 

TIMING 

30-60 min, depending on the number of the participants. 

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

It can be implemented with any national or international groups, preferably with a group not knowing each other well before the activity

GROUP SIZE

10-30 pax

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

To begin with, each participant is asked to think of three statements about themselves. The trick is; all of the statements won’t be true, only two of the statements given should be correct and one should be a lie. These three statements are asked to be written on a sticky note and posted visibly on the chest of the participant. The statements should not be too obvious (e.g. I am a human, I am blonde..etc.). Facilitator can give a few examples such as “I have two cats, I can not ride a bicycle etc.)

After all participants finish to do so, they are asked to go around the room and meet other participants one by one to read and guess which statements are true about each person and which one is made up. 

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • It is necessary to ask the participants to keep it a bit quiet so as not to be heard by the others while revealing the lie among the statements to keep the game still fun for other participants who did not have the chance to guess yet.

  • This game can be played in the welcoming evening of the projects before officially getting to know the names of the participants. This could make the game even more interesting by trying to guess things about other people with a very limited or no prior knowledge.

  • A soft music at the background which will not prevent them to hear each other and some treats and refreshments can create a nicer atmosphere to share things about themselves

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with participants having visual impairments

In the original version participants are asked to write down the statements on a sticky note to be also seen by the other participants. In case you have participants with visual impairments you can either skip writing the statements on the post-its and instead ask the participants to tell it aloud when they meet each participant. Alternatively you can ask them to write and tell it loud at the same time.

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • It’s better not to put any background music or if you choose to use music it’s better to keep it very low not to distract and prevent participants with visual impairments from hearing and understanding what is being said.

 

Icebreakers/Energizers

Whether it’s due to an early morning start or after a carb-loaded lunch, it’s natural for a group to lose steam and for the brain to feel overworked and bored. Energizers are short activities that last between 5-15 minutes that increase the energy level of a group and help the brain access its imaginative side. Depending on the activity programme, it makes sense to plan for an energising activity to start, another after the group returns from any breaks including lunch break, and perhaps a final activity to end on a high note. Additionally, it will be useful to plan a few “back-up” energizers in case the participants may need it at any point. Always better to keep in mind the comfort zone and cultural sensitivities of the group to be sure the energizer won’t make anyone uncomfortable.

 

 

Pulse Race

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Energizer / Team building

OBJECTIVES

-help participants to feel more comfortable with each other by sharing an experience and accomplishing together

-experience cooperation and coordination

-boost the good vibes among the group

-create a positive atmosphere

MATERIALS NEEDED

line of chairs, an easy to grab object (a plastic bottle, a ball etc.)

SPACE NEEDED

A medium size meeting room in which participants can stay in line

TIMING 

10-15 min

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

It can be implemented with any national or international groups, preferably not on the first day of the project

GROUP SIZE

20-30 pax

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

The group is divided into two even-numbered teams with one person to be left as the “starter”. Teams sitting on chairs next to each other should be facing the other team. Each participant links/holds hands with the person on either side of them. At one end of the two lines a chair is positioned with an object placed on it. At the other end of the two lines a “starter” who holds the hands of the end team members is positioned. 

The starter simultaneously squeezes the hands of the people she/he is in contact with. They then pass the squeeze (signal) along the line until the last member of the team. The last member of the team has to try grabbing the object off the chair before the other team. 

Game can be played to a certain score decided by the facilitator according to the timing.

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • Since the game requires physical contact, it is important to use this activity with a group that you know well that there is no sensitivity against physical contact such as holding hands. 

  • Creating a little bit of competitive spirit is useful to boost the synergy within the group and makes everybody enjoy more, however the facilitator should balance it well to avoid possible conflicts or frustrations caused by being too much result oriented instead of enjoying the process.

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with Deaf, blind and wheelchair user participants

The game is already applicable with the wheelchair user participants since everybody is required to sit on the chairs. Wheelchair users can be the “starter”, the team member and the grabber.


With the help of a sign language interpreter to explain the instructions, Deaf participants can easily play the game. There is no barrier for them to be the “starter”, the team member and the grabber.


Since the game is about hand contact and feeling the squeeze, participants with visual impairments can easily take part equally with the other participants. There is no barrier for them to be the “starter” and the team member. With a good visual description (describing where exactly the object to grab) they can also be grabbers just like the others.

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • It is important to have a quick debriefing of the game to let participants share how they have felt and how far the objectives were reached.



 

Roller Coaster

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Energizer 

OBJECTIVES

-to energize the participants before the main activities, which requires less physical actions and more concentration

-to create a positive, comfortable and funny atmosphere

-to break the ices within the group

-to boost the attention and concentration of the participants

-to prepare the participants for their upcoming learning process

-to develop imitation and facial expression skills of the participants

-to have fun

MATERIALS NEEDED

line of chairs, an easy to grab object (a plastic bottle, a ball etc.)

SPACE NEEDED

A medium size meeting room in which participants can sit on chairs next to each other in a conference type sitting order (3-4 chairs in a row)

TIMING 

5-10 min

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

It can be implemented with any national or international groups

GROUP SIZE

20-30 pax

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

The facilitator arranges the room with the chairs in a row just like a roller coaster in an amusement park. In each line there are 3-4 chairs next to each other. Participants are invited to have a seat and asked whether they are ready for a thrilling ride with the roller coaster. They are asked to imagine themselves in an amusement park and just bought tickets for a crazy ride with the roller coaster. 


The main rule is to watch and follow the facilitator carefully during the ride and do exactly whatever he/she does. If the facilitator jumps, they jump, if the facilitator screams they do the same. Whenever the facilitator bends to the left, they bend to the left too. 


The facilitator starts the game by buckling up the seatbelt for safety. The group does the same. They slowly start to ride and the facilitator leads the group. During the ride the facilitator has the group experience a lot of movements as described above including the scared faces, happy faces, shocked faces..etc. 


The game is finished as soon as the facilitator decides the group is energized enough for the next session.

NOTE TO FACILITATOR


  • The facilitator should stimulate the participants’ imagination with an entertaining and positive attitude.

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with Deaf, blind and wheelchair user participants

  • The game is inclusive for the wheelchair user participants since everybody is required to sit on the chairs. However, the facilitator needs to leave empty spaces in different lines, to give the right to choose where to sit like other participants.

  • It’s better to know the physical conditions and capabilities of the participants with physical disabilities, to what extent they could do the physical movements shown by the facilitator. It’s important not to force everyone to do the movements exactly the same even though the purpose of the game is to synchronize as a big group. Everyone should make the movements as they can. If some participants are not able to raise the arms up in the air, alternatively they can move their head a little up.

  • With the help of a sign language interpreter standing next to the facilitator to explain the instructions, Deaf participants can also easily join the game. 

  • For the inclusion of visually impaired participants, the facilitator needs to describe and demonstrate the commands to be given before the game begins in order to make the instructions clear for everyone (e.g shaking, bending to both sides, shouting when it gets faster..etc.)

NOTE TO FACILITATOR


  • If there is a sign language interpreter, the facilitator should make sure that the interpreter clearly understands the rules of the game before the game starts.



 

“MAZINGA”

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Energizer

OBJECTIVES

Create energy within the group before starting a session

MATERIALS NEEDED

No material is needed

SPACE NEEDED

A place where people can stand in a circle shoulder to shoulder

TIMING 

10 min (8 min to explain and practise – 2 min to exercise)

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

It can be implemented with any national or international groups

GROUP SIZE

Minimum 12 – no maximum size

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

Everybody is going to stand in a nice shaped circle.

Than you come close to each other by stepping a step forward, and continue this till the groups is standing shoulder to shoulder.

 

Background to tell:  

The MAZINGA is a way of asking the gods for energy to come down from the sky within the group.  It is a technique coming from the Native Americans who worshiped the nature an the gods from nature.

 

How to do it :

–          MAZINGA is existing out of 2 parts : “MA” and “ZINGA”.  Those are the words we’re going to yell out.

–          Step 1 : the exercises goes one by one.  So the facilitator will start with the first movement.

–          Everybody will follow the movement as the person on the right side is starting.

–          We do the movements clockwise.

–          Step 2 – First movement started by the facilitator

–          The fist person bends a little bit through his knees.   He stretch out his hand with 2 fists, and when he is doing this, he yells very loud “MA”.  He continues the yell the word “MAaaaaaaaa……”. 

–          As soon as he/she starts to yell “MA”, the person on his left side is doing the same.

–          In this way, we go around clockwise. 

–          You need to practise this, because when you do it for the first time, it can be that after half of the group, the facilitator and the first persons in the group don’t have air anymore and they need to stop yelling “MA”.

–          When the last person in the line yells “MA” (so the facilitator is standing on his left side, on the sign of the facilitator, we do the 2nd movement.

–          The 2nd movement is that you put your hands with fists towards your body and you yell very loud “ZINGA”.

–          IMPORTANT here is to not that the 2nd part (so yelling “ZINGA”) is not one by one, BUT ALL TOGETHER.

–          The group has to look carefully to the facilitator when he starts the 2nd move, since everybody has to follow now at once.

–          Practise this 2-3 times, louder and louder. 

–          FEEL THE ENERGY!

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • You need to practise this a few times, so that everybody in the group understands that it has to go fast, and the 2nd part “ZINGA” has to go all together at the same time!

  • With some practise, this exercise can be even done with more than 150 people!

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with Deaf, blind and wheelchair user participants

  • Since the performances are based on visual and audio elements, participants should be reminded to make necessary visual descriptions for the audience before and throughout the performance

  • Visual descriptions and clear orientation is also crucial for the blind performers in the groups (e.g. position with bending through the knees a bit, putting hands and fists out, and for the 2nd part, bringing your hands and fists towards your body).

  • It is good when the person standing on the left side of a blind person, can use his elbow to touch the blind person as a sign for doing the first movement “MA”. 

  • If there are Deaf participants in the group, you can show them the word MA ZINGA on a papers and ask language interpreters, to communicate the instructions to the group.  

  • When you have people within the group who are hearing sensitive, you also can dot the exercise outside into nature, where sounds are disappearing faster, than the noise within  a meeting room.

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • When you have blind persons within your group, you can ask somebody to stand next to the blind person to make a sign (example, touching with his elbow the blind persons elbow) when the first part of the exercise (yelling “MA” is approaching the blind person, so he can follows in the right time.

 

Team-building

Team building games are constructive and fun ways to help a group of people to know each other, build trust, communicate comfortably, develop relationships and most importantly, learn to work together to accomplish a goal. Besides team building activities also help participants develop their communication, creativity, motivation, sense of belonging, loyalty, leadership and problem-solving skills. They aim to evoke the best from each participant because combining fun with learning is one of the most effective ways to improve performance, break down barriers, and tap into hidden potential.

 

 

Mission is Possible!

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Team building

OBJECTIVES

-to energize the participants before the main activities, which requires less physical actions and more concentration

-to boost team work, collaboration and effective communication among the group

-to create a working and learning together environment

-to boost patience and tolerance among the participants

-to learn how to manage time

-to realize everyone has different abilities and how to use them efficiently to accomplish any given task

-to create a positive, comfortable and funny atmosphere

-to break the ices within the group, engage rather shy and introvert participants with the others

-to boost the attention and concentration of the participants

-to prepare the participants for their upcoming learning process

-to have fun while learning to work together

MATERIALS NEEDED

Basic stationary, projector, computer, colored papers, carton-papers, flipcharts, colored pens, tape, stickers, scissors, chronometer, printed out handouts with the list of the tasks, some funny objects

SPACE NEEDED

A medium to large size space where participants can spread and work on the tasks individually or as a whole  group

TIMING 

60 min (5 min to explain the game and the rules, 25 min for the group work, 30 min for performances and debriefing)

The timing could be changed according to the group size, venue, general flow of the programme and the number of the tasks to be completed.

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

It can be implemented with any national or international groups

GROUP SIZE

10-30 pax

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

The facilitator enters the room with a mysterious and suspicious attitude of a secret agent (preferably with black sunglasses) and starts to read the message letter. The letter is projected on the big screen so that the participants can follow. The letter starts with introducing a covert mission and delegates the whole group to accomplish the tasks strictly within 50 minutes. The facilitator makes sure the participants are clear with the purpose of the team building game and they understand the given instructions. This is a mission they as a whole group have to accomplish without the help of the facilitator. The list of the tasks can be printed in 3-4 copies, preferably not more than that. The participants are allowed to have these copies. 

The set of tasks given below in this toolkit is a sample. Facilitator is free to change the tasks, remove or add tasks according to the group profile and the venue. Each task has a particular purpose and helps participants to discover their different abilities. 

When the given time is up, the facilitator calls back the participants to the big circle and checks each task one by one whether they are accomplished or not. 

Team building activities are certainly entertaining and interactive, but they only become worthwhile and impactful if they are followed by debriefing questions. For concluding the activity the facilitator may use the following questions to guide the debriefing:

– How do you feel after the experience?

– Describe your experience, what happened?

– Why were you successful as a team (or not)?

– Did you work as a team during the activity?

– How well do you think the team listened to each other’s views and opinions?

– Could you use your time efficiently?

– What is the number one take-away from this experience?

– What did you discover about yourself during the activity?

– Has everyone been equally included during the activity?

– Have you recognized anyone excluded?

– How well do you feel you contributed to the team?

– Who came up with the ideas? Who took the lead?

– What does this activity suggest about our daily actions?

– What would you do differently if you had a chance to play it again?

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • It is recommended to create an online group such as a closed Facebook or whatsapp group to share the information, pictures and videos produced during the activity

  • It is recommended to implement the activity after providing the participants some time for getting to know each other.

  • Participants may address a lot of questions to the facilitator, such as “Will only 50 minutes be enough to finish all of the tasks?”, “How are we supposed to do the tasks?”, “Are we expected to do all tasks altogether or can we delegate people and share the tasks?, “Who will be delegating the tasks?”..etc. The facilitator should answer all questions before starting the chronometer, but it’s better not to over inform the participants and better to avoid directly leading them.

Instructions and list of tasks:

Good morning special agents,

We got the super confidential information that you are composed of very skillful people full of motivation and willing to work together the whole day.

Your secret mission today as a group – if you choose to accept it – is to accomplish all of the following tasks in 50 minutes.

Feel free to use all the space and human resources. Push your limits, be INCLUSIVE and have fun!

PS: All the videos, documents, pictures, photos should be uploaded on the facebook group before you start presenting them to the facilitator! 

TASKS:

  1. -Create a colorful and artistic welcome poster for the workshop 

  2. -Show us a typical characteristic of the Deaf Culture with a 2 min theater sketch

  3. -Pretend to be a group of monkeys, chickens and elephants for 1 minute as whole group, with the movements

  4. -List 10 creative & inclusive punishments for the late comers to the sessions

  5. -Organize yourself as a whole group in a line according to your birthdays, from left to right, starting from January on the one end and December on the other end. Do it in front of the facilitator

  6. -Take at least 3 different photographs of the group, including all participants in your group; in one of them all participants must act as they just saw an alien, in the second one it should be visible that you are in Egypt and on the third one at least 2 people out of the group should be in the photo!

  7. -List 10 reasons of why it is better to be here today/this week rather than being at home 

  8. -Form a human rights statue (sculpture) only using your own bodies, at least with 5 people in the group. This body sculpture must represent human rights, freedom and equality

  9. -Take a nap for 3 min in front of the facilitator (at least 8 people in the group).

  10. -Find 3 locals outside and teach them to say “I love you”, “ I have to learn sign language as soon as possible”, “Do you know your rights?”, “ I missed my friends and family” in sign language. We want videos! :). 

  11. -Go find 3 hotel staff and give them free hugs – document the process – we want pictures! 😉

  12. -Make an International Sign alphabet teaching video, with proper audio description

  13. -Go find a local shop and learn the price of 1 bottle of milk, 1 bar of chocolate and a pack of chips. Ask the shop owner to take a picture with you holding these items


If you or any of your group members are caught on mission,  C.I.A ( Crazy Inclusion Agency) will deny involvement in any covert operations by its agents. This message will not self-destruct in five seconds, but you have only 50 minutes to accomplish all of these tasks to show us how to be a real team.

Good luck agents;)

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with Deaf, blind and wheelchair user participants

  • This activity can be implemented with groups with various profiles, including the mixed ability groups. However with all groups, above all with mixed ability groups, it could be too chaotic, if the instructions and the objectives are not clearly provided by the facilitator and the participants could lose the point,  get easily bored or frustrated. So it’s better not to start the chronometer before everybody understands the general purpose and the task of the game.

  • Giving enough time for the sign language interpretation is very important

  • While preparing the list of the missions, it’s important to pick the tasks doable by all participants. However it’s strongly recommended to also put some missions that participants without disabilities would need the support of the participants with disabilities, otherwise they could not accomplish easily. This would boost the collaborative spirit among the group . (e.g. a mission to write the names of all participants with Braille alphabet, decode a secret message written with Braille or teaching the whole group to tell particular sentences in Sign language..etc.)

  • Long handwritten or printed texts, in this case the list of the missions, can be hard to follow and remember for blind participants only by listening to, therefore do not hesitate to use digital tools and write the written things on the papers or flipcharts on mobile phone, whatsapp, google documents, SMS, etc. and share it with the blind participants at the same time they are presented to the whole group and give them enough time to read.

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • The missions should not be too hard or too easy to accomplish.

  • In this game, the facilitators are there just to observe the process and monitor whether they follow the rules of the game or not. They are not supposed to intervene, remind the remaining time or do the tasks for the group even though it’s a mixed ability group. As a facilitator, if you find yourself in the need of intervening or assisting the participants with disabilities during the game, you should revise the tasks you have chosen in the first place. 

  • During the debriefing, it’s recommended to put special focus on how inclusive the group was.

  • As safety is the priority, it’s better not to pick missions that would create any kind of danger for the participants, especially while putting some outdoor missions.

 

Small Group Work

Group works are essential to involve participants in their own learning, to make the discussed topics come alive, to deepen learners’ knowledge about a topic, increase the interaction between the participants and to develop particular skills. Working in small groups gives the young people a chance to practice the higher-order thinking skills and they generally learn more of the material and retain their knowledge longer. The participants who are not comfortable expressing their opinions in the big group are generally more comfortably and actively participating in the small group discussions. There are several funny games to make small groups. If there is not much time to play a game to make groups the facilitator can use the counting method to divide the group into smaller groups either using the numbers or some other characteristics such as colours, countries, seasons, days, cartoon characters or superheroes.

 

 

My Imaginary Island

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Small group work

OBJECTIVES

-to boost collaboration and effective communication among the group

-to create a working and learning together environment

-to boost patience and tolerance among the participants

-to learn that everyone has different ideas and opinions and no matter we agree or not we should respect and listen 

-to question and reflect on the existing systems and the human rights violations

-to create a positive, comfortable atmosphere

-to boost the attention and concentration of the participants

-to have fun while learning to work together

MATERIALS NEEDED

Flipcharts, coloured pens, boardmarkers

SPACE NEEDED

A medium to large size space where participants can work separately in small groups without distracting each other

TIMING 

60 min (5 min to explain the game and the rules, 25 min for the group work, 30 min for presentations and debriefing)

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

It can be implemented with any national or international groups, preferably having basic interest in human rights

GROUP SIZE

10-30 pax

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

The facilitator starts the activity with a short story telling. The story is about a group of travellers who have been travelling all around the world together. One day they have discovered a beautiful island which does not belong to anyone or any other country. It is totally unexplored territory. These travellers are the first owners and inhabitants of this island. 

The facilitator then divides the group into 4-5 smaller groups (max 5-6 people in each group) and asks each group to imagine that they are these travellers who discovered a new island. The groups are supposed to decide the name and the common values of the island and design a flag which represents their values. Then they are instructed to draft a constitution consisting of 10 fundamental rights and rules they would like to have. The groups are free to decide and there are no limitations except their own imaginations. The facilitator gives flipchart papers and board markers to each group to write down. 

The groups are expected to present their imaginary islands to the rest of the group and get their feedback. After each group makes their presentations the facilitator asks some questions to the audience. “Did you like their island?” “Would you like to live on that island and why?” “Do you think their rights and laws are appropriate and/or realistic?” “Which right or rule did you like the most?” “Which right or rule would you like to remove from the constitution and why?”

After allowing 1-2 participants to answer each question, then the facilitator asks the presenting group about their reflections on establishing a new country on an island and a constitution. 

The session ends with a debriefing.

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • The facilitator should mention clearly that the small group works are not competitions

  • It is important to highlight the importance of the discussion more than the result, therefore it should be reminded that they give enough time for everyone to express themselves

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with Deaf and blind participants


  • If there are more than one Deaf participant in the group and not enough sign language interpreters, you may need to form small groups according to this. If there is only one interpreter per country, you should put all Deaf participants from the same country in the same group to facilitate the communication smoothly within the group. 

  • Giving enough time for the sign language interpretation is important

  • There are visual elements to be prepared in this activity (flag) and it’s totally ok to ask the groups to create the flag. Here, the important thing is making sure that everybody is involved in the whole process and not assuming that blind participants can not contribute to the visual creation processes. You can tell the groups that they do not have to draw the flag but alternatively they can create a tactile one by using any other materials such as canvas, cardboards, cotton etc. Make sure these materials are prepared and provided.

  • Long handwritten texts can be hard to follow and remember for blind participants only by hearing, therefore do not hesitate to use digital tools and write the written things on the papers or flipcharts on mobile phone, whatsapp, google documents, SMS, etc. and share it simultaneously with the blind participants, before the presentations are made. 

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • If there are more than one facilitator, the storytelling at the beginning of the exercise can be demonstrated as well. The Deaf participants give better reactions to the demonstrations with the drama technique and by this way it is easier and faster for them to process the information and the instructions. Alternatively some visuals of islands could be used.

  • While asking the groups to come up with a constitution, it is recommended to ask participants to add at least one inclusion element in the articles of the constitution.

 

Role-playing

Role play involves participants taking on the role of a character different from themselves and helps participants stepping into roles that creates a space for them to take on multiple perspectives outside of their own. It is important to consider a participant’s prior knowledge before doing role work. They need to have enough information about the role you are asking them to play or create their own roles with deciding the characteristics of the role in order for rigorous learning to occur during role play or the drama activity. Often an active discussion is better as a starter or game as a metaphor to help participants begin to think about the topic and explore/express their own ideas about it. 

 

 

“OOPS, I DID IT AGAIN!”

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Role-playing

OBJECTIVES

To support the experiential learning of the participants through  creativity, artistic skills, teamwork and empathy to be able to develop  right attitudes towards people with disabilities

-to evoke creative minds by using theatre and drama skills 

-to raise awareness on the daily basis common communicational and/or  attitudinal mistakes made and come up with realistic solutions  

-to promote equality, diversity and tolerance 

-to increase self confidence 

-to develop a sense of responsibility and an awareness of human dignity 

-to have fun while learning to work together

MATERIALS NEEDED

Basic stationary, in case needed, printed out handouts, some funny objects, wigs, glasses, etc. could be nice to provide to make the performances more colorful

SPACE NEEDED

A medium to large size space where participants can discuss and rehearse separately in small groups without distracting each other

TIMING 

60 min (5 min to explain the game and the rules, 25 min for the group work, 30 min for performances and debriefing)

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

It can be implemented with any national or international groups

GROUP SIZE

10-30 pax

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

The facilitator divides the group into smaller groups (5-6 people in each group) with any grouping game and gives the hand-outs. The groups are first asked to come together, start to discuss the wrong attitudes and communication related mistakes made on a daily basis towards one of the disability groups (Hearing impairments, visual impairments, physical disabilities and mental & learning disabilities) and take notes of the most common ones.

They are expected to create realistic problematic situations in which 3 different common mistakes are hidden in the role-playing performance. The mistakes can not be so obvious to detect such as acts of physical violence. The role-play performance should be maximum 3 minutes to show the problematic situation and all group members should have an active role in the play. The groups are not supposed to create solutions. After each group is ready, the facilitator calls back everyone to the big circle and the groups start to perform one by one. After each group performs the scene they have created, the facilitator asks the audience “How would you solve or prevent the situation, or make it right?” The facilitator allows the audience to express their realistic solution ideas and discuss how often we make these kinds of mistakes in daily life and how these affect the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing people. 

Hand out with the instructions:

-Discuss with your group members about the wrong attitudes and  communication related mistakes made on a daily basis towards  People with visual impairments/hearing impairments/physical disabilities/mental-learning disabilities and take note of the most common  ones.  

-At least 3 different common mistakes should be hidden in your role-playing  performance. They should be realistic. 

-The mistakes should not be so obvious to be detected by the audience, such as acts of physical violence. The mistakes can be intentional or  unintentional. 

-The role-play performance should be maximum 3 min to show the  problematic situation.  

-All group members should have an active role in the play 

-You are not supposed to create solutions. The audience will try to find the  mistakes, then we will discuss the right attitudes in the big group.

-Be inclusive while performing!

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • In order to create a comfortable atmosphere the facilitator can mention that no extraordinary acting skills are required to take part in the activity. Active contribution and participation are what really matters for this session.

  • The facilitator should mention clearly that the small group works are not competitions

  • It is important to highlight the importance of the discussion more than the result, therefore it should be reminded that they give enough time for everyone to express themselves

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with Deaf, blind and wheelchair user participants

  • Since the performances are based on visual and audio elements, participants should be reminded to make necessary visual descriptions for the audience before and throughout the performance (e.g. there is a teacher standing and 4 students sitting on the stage in a classroom setting)

  • Visual descriptions and clear orientation is also crucial for the blind performers in the groups (e.g. position of the stage and the audience)

  • If there are more than one Deaf participant in the group and not enough sign language interpreters, you may need to form small groups according to this. If there is only one interpreter per country, you should put all Deaf participants from the same country in the same group to facilitate the communication smoothly within the group. 

  • Performances should not be at a fast pace in order to let the sign language interpreter keep up. Giving enough time for the sign language interpretation in general is important

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

  • It’s better to mix the groups well so that a wheelchair user participant can have the chance to work on the wrong attitudes towards blind people or a blind participant can work on the wrong attitudes towards Deaf people.

  • It’s better to go and check the discussion and preparation processes of the groups and see whether any clarification or support is needed for the task.

Outdoor exercises

Outdoor exercises are a great way for youth workers to engage young people in activities that promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Outdoor exercise can take many forms, from nature walks and scavenger hunts to outdoor sports and cooperative games. Outdoor exercise can provide a great way to get young people up and moving, while also providing an opportunity for youth workers to connect with their charges on a deeper level. Outdoor activities can also be used to teach young people important life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

 

 

Tree hugging

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Outdoor

OBJECTIVES

·         Find back your tree in a forest or a lane full with trees

·         Get in contact with your senses (feeling, touching, ….)

MATERIALS NEEDED

Blindfolds for every person 

SPACE NEEDED

Forest or parc or lane with trees

TIMING 

30-45 min

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

Can be any group – national or international

GROUP SIZE

Up to 30

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

  • Go and stand in couples

  • 1 person is blindfolded.  The other person disorientate the person who is blindfolded for 30 sec. (can be by walking around for a few seconds, but also turning him around on his axe for 10 times)

  • The person who can see guides the person towards a tree that he/she thinks is suitable for him/her.  He/she gives the tree to the person with the blindfold.

  • Now the blindfolded person has as much times as he/she wants to discover the tree, to feel the tree, to smell the tree …. towards a point that the person thinks he/she knows his tree.  

  • As soon as he says this, the person is guided away again to the beginning spot where they started.

  • The person now can takes of his blindfold.

  • The task is now to go and find back your tree.

  • When the tree has been found, the roles are changing.  So everybody is going through the same experience.

DEBRIEFING & EVALUATION

  • Did you find back your tree?

  • How was it to be blindfolded and guided around towards a tree?

  • Did you feel safe with your partner?

  • How was it to discover back your tree?  

  • Where their special attention point to recognise your tree back?

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

When there are a lot of trees, the person who guides, can also give a direction with wide arms, so in which the tree of the person is standing.

Normally 90% of all people find his tree back.

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with Deaf, blind and wheelchair user participants

When you have blind people, you make couples with somebody who can see.

For wheelchair users, you can choose to work in parc, or a  land/avenue floated with trees on both sides

An accessible parc can also fit!

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

When you’re looking for a suitable place, the ideal is to have a space with similar looking trees (oak, beech, plane tree, …).  The similar they look, the more senses are triggered within somebody to look for recognition points.  




 

Electric fence

TYPE OF THE METHOD

Outdoor exercises

Group dynamics

OBJECTIVES

To cross the fence with the whole group while holding hands together and without touching the rope

MATERIALS NEEDED

2 trees where you attach a rope at around 1 m hight.

SPACE NEEDED

Forest or parc with 2 trees approximately 5 m from each other

TIMING 

45 min – 60 min

TARGET GROUP PROFILE

Can be any group – national or international. 

GROUP SIZE

10-15 (bigger groups can be split up to this size) 

STEP BY STEP IMPLEMENTATION

  • A rope is hanging in between 2 trees at around 1 m high.

  • The group is standing next to the rope on one side.

  • The task is to go over the rope with the whole group without touching the rope and the trees on both size.

  • If the group (or somebody) touches the rope, the whole groups starts again on 1 side and the exercises continues.

 

DEBRIEFING & EVALUATION

– What went wrong?

– How was the communication between them?

– Did people listen to each other?

– Were there any frustrations?

– What do we learn from this?

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

Keep attention for safety and support.  Whenever something dangerous is happening, stop the group, explain why and let them restart.

If the group is to assertive in communication, you can obtain to put on 1 – 2 – 3 persons a blindfold.  This is and extra challenge for the group.

ADAPTATION

 

Mixed ability groups with Deaf, blind and wheelchair user participants

Be careful when you have people within the group in a wheelchair(s).  make clear to the group that special attention has to be given towards them, when lifting people over the fence.  Whenever people don’t feel safe or secure enough, don’t push them. 

NOTE TO FACILITATOR

Keep safety always as a key element high!   As facilitator you also can act as support person, without interfering in the group process to find a solution. 





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