1.

E-program “ When a young family have a child” The responsible partner – Latvia

Chapter 1. Relationship in the family when a child is born.

While the young family expects the baby, the parents are often told that the birth of a child
is the best thing that has happened to them and it will finally make them a real family.
Probably the new parents themselves will consider some of these things to be the holiest
truth. Very often young parents think that the new born baby will help to overcome all
disagreements. Unfortunately, in many cases all these positive expectations and promises
suddenly fade when a child is born.

1.1. The change of relationship status.

When a child is born, the couple’s relationship changes and it will never be as it used to be
before. In some cases, the young parents become stronger and more mature than before the
baby is born. Before the child is born in the family, attention is paid to the partner. In an
equal, dignified relationship, there is a principle – give and you will be given. When a child
is born, this principle breaks down. The baby is helpless, completely dependent on his
parents. The child demands immediate satisfaction of his needs. The healthy development
of a child requires unconditional love. It is this ability of the child's needs to be put first that
determines how good parents the couple will be. Parents give their child more than each
other. By experiencing family growth, the couple acquire a new "profession." They become
moms and dads, which is a very beautiful event in life, bringing with it responsibility and
an important task in life.

1.2. Change of priorities.

If in the past the couple focused more on each other, now the focus of both is on the child
and his well-being. It's one of the things that changes a partnership: "We can't see each
other so well anymore. We're parents now trying to see the child's needs first." This attitude
is good and positive, because otherwise the child would not be able to survive.
Nevertheless, the change of priorities largely has a negative effect on the couple's
relationship. In the first months, the father's role is to take care of the baby and the young
mother. This is a time when a woman is emotionally very vulnerable due to her hormonal
fluctuations. Therefore, the young father has to prioritize the baby and his mother’s needs
forgetting about his own wishes and needs. That often causes dissatisfaction in the man. In
her turn, the woman is fully exposed to the needs of the baby and is forced to completely
change her daily life. Sometimes she even does not have enough time to have proper meals
because the baby has its own needs!

Often friends turn away from the new parents. Especially those who do not have children
themselves. They think that the new family now has new worries, so the support and
conversation of friends will be disruptive. In fact, they also do not know what to do and
what to say. Maybe they come to look at the baby, give flowers and a gift. But then
disappear.

Young parents also turn away from their friends, because the usual conversational topics
seem distant and unattainable, but it is difficult to talk about the problems of childcare with
people who have never experienced it.

1.3. Lack of resources - time and money.

For the young father, the time after work that was previously devoted to his wife is now
devoted to raising the child. On the other hand, when the partner returns home, the mother
wants to be alone, relax or spend time with herself. The family will also have less money
after the baby is born in the family. The young parents experience it already while they are
expecting the baby. Buying a pram for a child is enjoyable, but when you have to buy
diapers every month, week, day, then it will be an expense from your wallet, not a pleasure
any more. Therefore, a stable income is very important in order not to cause unnecessary
stress in the family.

1.4. Maintaining the relationship.

If a couple is able to accept the new role, cope with tension, be able to give unconditional
love to the child, continue to love, respect and care for each other and also for themselves,
the relationship becomes stronger and more mature than it was before the child was born. It
is very important to see the other person as a partner, not as the father or mother of a child.
It is important to work on your relationship, to make the other feel special. It is important to
find time to go to concerts, plays, cinema together, which also mentally charges the person!
Developing and growing with your partner is a guarantee of a long-term relationship.
Support from others is also important for young parents to break out of their daily lives
together.

It is also important for the new father to find the way how the young mother devotes time
to herself - to get out of the house, to spend time with her friends, to go to beauty care
procedures, to walk in the forest. This step is also important for a woman to evaluate her
partner. It proves that dad is great with everything, it is a great value for a woman, because
there is something to rely on and trust him.

There are some hints to remember how to maintain the relationship:

• Do not transfer responsibility to each other. Solve problems together.

• Name out loud what doesn't satisfy you, discuss problems, share your joy with the partner.
The sooner you learn to hear, but most importantly - to hear each other, the sooner the
harmony lost somewhere will be restored.

• Involve the young father in the care of the baby. The more often he does this, the more
aware he will be and the more confident he will be about his new role.

• Thank your partner for any help. The man will notice that his efforts have not gone
unnoticed and will help more and more.

• Find a person to whom you can entrust your baby for a short time, and devote this time
only to yourself and your partner.

• Do not allow older relatives to try to interfere in any way in your relationship during this,
not so easy, period of life.

• Care about your relationship: regularly find time and opportunity to be alone with your
partner. Because, the happiness of the family and your child depends on the quality of
mutual understanding.

1.5. Relationship crisis.

Practically from the moment the woman learns about the pregnancy, she is inextricably
linked to her baby. In many cases the man often begins to feel superfluous.

After returning from the maternity hospital, the situation becomes even more serious: the
young mother is now busy with the baby all day long. Little attention is paid to the husband
- there is neither strength nor time. At the subconscious level, most men perceive this
situation as a kind of fraud. They are jealous of their own child and are increasingly moving
away from their partner, both physically and emotionally. A kind of vicious circle starts.

Even the change of the woman's body may seem exciting and infinitely beautiful to some
men, but unacceptable to others. The relationship really needs to be good to experience
these changes, because a woman may also be worried that her swinging mood and physical
changes may make her husband seek sexual or emotional shelter from another woman.

After the birth of a child, from time to time you want everything to be as it was before the
child was born. This is a normal desire, which is understandable. Psychological maturity
helps understand that nothing can be as it used to be, and that's good. If everything's the
same in the relationship, at some point the relationship becomes a routine, and there is no
desire to keep it.

1.6. The importance of the mother's well-being in the relationship.

By leaving herself in a minor position for a long time, the woman's energy resources are
gradually running out. If the woman acknowledges her needs, she may notice and
understand in good time what she needs to do to replenish her energy. However, it may also
be the case that in trying to always give the best to her loved ones, the woman does not
even notice her needs until she feels deep sadness, anger or depression. And then finding
the way back is much harder and takes more time.

The same goes for our physical health, on which also our ability to take care of our child
depends. Therefore, it is worthwhile to start paying attention in time to take care of yourself
before you start caring for all your other loved ones, because only a mother who treats
herself with respect and love will be able to take care of her child in the long run. The
simple truth is that we can only give others what we have. It is wonderful if we can share
the love, patience, joy, encouragement, and other pleasant emotions that make our lives
brighter.

The first and foremost thing any new mom can do to find time for herself is to learn
without guilt and regret asking for help. Usually, the support persons are the child's father,
one of the baby's grandmothers or a paid babysitter. Sometimes the latter is the best choice
if the relationship with the mothers is not good enough or the modern grandmothers are
busy in their lives, still active in the field of work and social affairs. When asking and
accepting help, it is important not to feel guilty. However, if there is a feeling that a
potential helper may be criticized for not being able to get tired while living in the house,
then it is better to ask someone else for help.

If a woman feels valued, rested, full-fledged, then the mutual relationship with the child
and her husband will be harmonious. Children feel their mothers, which is very much
reflected in the child's mood. If the mother is happy and calm, then the baby is exactly the
same.

1.7. Acceptance of the situation.

The birth of a child in the family can be very different for each couple. Each couple is at a
different stage of development, at different levels of intelligence. It also has a great deal to
do with whether we are able to take the current situation for granted or just on the contrary
– feel helpless and in despair.

Sometimes there are situations that just have to be accepted. It is important to remember
that people are able to adapt very quickly to new situations, and time also introduces its
own adjustments, so the birth of a baby in the family is a positive stage of life, which
everyone would need to enjoy and survive.

Self-control questions.

There can be more than one correct answer.

1. What is important for a couple to be a good parent for their baby?

a) good job,

b) a lot of money,

c) unconditional love for a child.

2. How do young parents' priorities change?

a) nothing much changes

b) less time for entertainment and friends,

c) the man must take greater care of the woman and the child.

3. The three most important things that can keep a couple in a relationship?

a) harmony, unconditional love, time for two,

b) money, entertainment, freedom,

c) distrust, betrayal, rest.

4. How does a man feel when a child enters a relationship?

a) happy, careful, caring,

b) free,

c) difficult.

5. What is very important for a mom to feel good?

a) support, care, peace,

b) sleep, good nutrition, love,

c) a lot of worries, little sleep.

Key: 1c 2b, c 3a 4a 5a, b

2. E-program “When immigrants decide to return to their native country” The
responsible partner – Cyprus

Chapter 1: Introduction

Since the dawn of humanity, people have been on the move either to ensure their
safety or to look for better living conditions. Nowadays, thanks to technology, travelling
and transportation has become easier and more accessible than in the past, which, in
combination with the increased access to information and the improvement of
communication, facilitates migration.

However, whatever the reason for migrating might be, war, poverty, natural
disaster, educational opportunities, professional ambitions and so on, for many people,
migration is not a journey that ends in the destination country, neither a permanent
resolution, but rather a temporary compromise with the ultimate goal being to one day
return to their country of origin. For some others, though, return is something they will be
forced to do despite their will, if their plans do not work out.

Return migration, regardless of whether it is voluntary or forced, can be

challenging, as people need to readapt to the culture and society of their country of origin
and re-establish or strengthen their ties with the community. The aim of this e-programe is
to help people who decide to immigrate back to their native country have a smooth
transition in this new chapter of their lives. However, before we do so, it will be helpful to
understand a little more the concept of return migration in order to gain a full picture.

1.1 Definitions

Although the term return migration does not have a “universally accepted
definition”, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) refers to return as “the act
or process of going back or being taken back to the point of departure. (…)” either within
the national boundaries or at a transnational level (IOM, 2019). IOM distinguishes between
two types of return: voluntary and forced and defines them as follows:

Voluntary return:
 • Spontaneous return is “the voluntary, independent return of a migrant or a
group of migrants to their country of origin, usually without the support of
States or other international or national assistance” (IOM, 2019).

• Assisted voluntary return and reintegration is the "administrative, logistical

or financial support, including reintegration assistance, to migrants unable or
unwilling to remain in the host country or country of transit and who decide
to return to their country of origin" (IOM, 2019).

• Voluntary humanitarian return is the application of assisted voluntary return

and reintegration principles in humanitarian settings and “often represents a
life-saving measure for migrants who are stranded or in detention” (IOM,
2020).

Forced return: “a migratory movement which, although the drivers can be diverse,
involves force, compulsion, or coercion.” (IOM, 2019).

1.2 Reasons for return

When return migration is not imposed, there are many reasons that can motivate
that decision including: professional or educational opportunities, family-related issues,
lifestyle, inheritance of property, because the crisis that led to migration is over.

Various studies have shown that emotional attachment to the “homeland”, self-
identification and the feeling of belongingness to the host community in some cases
outweigh the financial factors (Kunuroglu, van de Vijver, & Yagmur, 2016). Especially in
the case of subsequent generations of migrants, the romantic and idealized perception of the
native country is created through family narratives and visits.

Feelings of belonging to the country of origin or descent and the longing to one day
return are reinforced in cases where migrants feel excluded and discriminated against. In
communities considered xenophobic and racist, it is harder for them to identify with the
host community and integrate into society, and therefore they remain attached to their
native country (Kunuroglu, van de Vijver, & Yagmur, 2016).

1.3 Challenges upon return

 Although it might seem that return migration is simply the return to “homeland” and
comfort zone, where one feels they belong, it can be equally challenging as migrating in the
first place.

Many migrants who have managed the long awaited and much longed repatriation
have reported feeling disappointment (Kunuroglu, van de Vijver, & Yagmur, 2016)
comparing their perception of the home they returned to, to “clothes that no longer fit”
(Schiller & Fouron, 2001). Especially for the migrants of subsequent generations who have
not lived in their home country, going back to the country of descent is a new beginning, an
experience similar to the one of their parents and grandparents (Christou & King, 2006).
The way migrants are perceived by the community upon their return also plays an
important role as being seen as foreigners can undermine or impede their re-integration and
re-adaptation to the community (Christou, 2006).

Apart from the confusion in their feelings of identity and belonging, people who re-
immigrate might also be facing more practical problems. It might be difficult for them to
navigate the bureaucratic system, the state services, they might be unaware of fundings and
opportunities. They might not have sufficient social network, or not know how to find their
place in the community, integrate effectively and reach their full potential.

1.4 Reaching one’s full potential in the new context

The aim of this module is to help return migrants in their new beginning in order to
have a smooth adaptation and integration in the society that will allow them to achieve the
best of their abilities.

In order for a person to become the best version of themselves, it is important to

have their basic needs met first. Maslow’s pyramid, hierarchizes those needs, the idea being
that the ones in the lower tiers must be met first before satisfying the ones higher up in the
pyramid. For example, most likely, one will not be interested in running for mayor if their
life is at stake or if they can barely get by.
 Each of the following chapters of this e-program, seeks to support returning
migrants even before their departure to their country of origin, providing information and
guiding them in meeting these needs so that they become successfully integrated and active
members of the society.

Exercises:

1) Provide two contexts (situations) of voluntary return and one of forced return

2) When do people decide to re-migrate? Which life events might trigger this
decision?

3) Food for thought: Is return migration success or failure? Which contexts might lead
one to label return migration as such?

References

Christou, A. (2006). American Dreams and European Nightmares: Experiences and

Polemics of Second-Generation Greek-American Returning Migrants. Journal of
Ethnic and Migration Studies, 32(5), 831-845.

Christou, A., & King, R. (2006). Migrants Encounter Migrants in the City: the Changing
Context of ‘Home’ for Second-Generation Greek-American Return Migrants.
International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 30(4), 816-835.

IOM. (2019). IOM Glossary on Migration. Geneva: International Organization for

Migration (IOM).
IOM. (2020). 2019 Return and Reintegration Key Highlights. Geneva: International
Organization for Migation (IOM).

Kunuroglu, F., van de Vijver, F., & Yagmur, K. (2016). Return Migration. Online Readings
in Psychology and Culture, 8(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1143

Schiller, N. G., & Fouron, G. E. (2001). Georges woke up laughing: Long-distance

nationalism and the search for home. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.

3. E-program “When people decide to retire” The responsible partner –

Slovenia

Chapter 1. I have retired, now what?

The process of retirement can be quite a stressful period in one´s life because many things
change and some people cope with this stress better than others. The process itself usually
has five stages, described in this chapter, which also addresses the topic of benefits of
retirement as well as setting up new routine at the beginning of the retirement stage.

1.1 Five stages of retirement

The retirement consists of 5 stages: pre-retirement, full retirement, disenchantment,

reorientation and the fifth stage - reconciliation and stability.

1.1.1 First stage: pre-retirement

This stage can begin 5 and up to 15 years before the actual retirement. During this stage
people start imagining how their life after retirement will be like and make initial steps in
planning and preparation for it.

During this stage people usually stop focusing of their careers and start doing a financial
plan of their retirement. Unfortunately, people mostly focus on this financial aspect of
planning, but they forget about the emotional preparation for the retirement which is also
very important. And few people think about the fact that very often emotional well-being is
often connected to the financial aspect, since lack of financial security often leads to stress
and anxiety, while good financial stability can offer additional benefits to your lifestyle,
such as better health care, vast assortment of leisure activities and similar.
1.1.2 Second stage: full retirement

The full retirement phase is sometimes also referred to as a liberation or even honeymoon
phase. It starts when a person retires and it usually lasts for one or two years. This is a
period when people are usually excited about their new phase of life, they feel free and
relieved because the stress and the pressure of their job is gone and suddenly they have
more free time to reconnect with their families, take up hobbies, start travelling and in
general take time for things they did not have time for while working.

But of course we cannot simply claim that this stage, or any other, is completely the same
for everybody. Some people choose travelling and other things, while others set up a new
daily routine right away and decide to plan each day of the week very carefully, some
people continue with some of the activities they were carrying out while still working, and
of course, there are some people that are faced with a real shock when their professional
career finishes because they feel their lives have lost meaning and purpose.

1.1.3 Third stage: disenchantment

It is very common that when the so called honeymoon phase is over, people start feeling
somewhat disappointed. They have been looking forward to their retirement for so long and
have created some kind of illusion of what the retirement will look like and now, when it
finally happened, it is not as exciting and beautiful it was supposed to be. It is not
uncommon for people in this stage to feel that something is missing in their lives and they
can start feeling bored, useless or lonely, which can even lead to depression.

1.1.4 Fourth stage: reorientation

This can be the most difficult stage which usually occurs when the retired people finish
their wish lists or to-do lists and they start feeling that their life has lost its purpose. In this
stage it is very important that an individual finds something that gives meaning to his life,
either engaging in some hobbies they feel passionate about, taking up some lifelong
learning activities, becoming a member of a club, university for third age, book club or a
volunteering organization or whatever else that interests him or her. In this way, the
individual will create a new identity, unconnected to the working life, and this is when a
person can truly start enjoying his or her retirement.
1.1.5 Fifth stage: reconciliation & stability

It might take as long as 15 years to finally get to this stage. Once an individual reaches this
stage, there is less possibility for feelings of depression and anxiety and usually people in
this stage are really enjoying their retirement, doing things that make them happy and
fulfilled. This is also the stage when health issues may be more recurring, so people in this
stage usually focus on maintaining their health or they start looking for new living facilities
with an easy access to healthcare.

1.2 Not the end – a new beginning: benefits of being retired

For many people retirement can be a stressful event in their lives. In such cases it is very
important to think about all the benefits the retirement can offer to people. And there are
quite a few indeed.

1.2.1 No alarm clock

The days when you had to set your alarm clock are gone. Of course it is your decision
whether to continue to use it or not, but contrary to your working period, this is now
completely your choice.

1.2.2 Go to sleep when you want

When you retire you are no longer stressed about how rested you need to be the following
day to be able to concentrate on your work. You know that you can sleep in in the morning,
so why not stay up a bit longer, meet your friends or family for a night cup, visit the cinema
or the theatre during the week or simply stay home reading or watching TV until late hours
when you want.

1.2.3 Decide on your dressing code of the day

Remember the feeling of standing in front of your closet in the evening worrying about
what to wear for work the next day? Well, when you retire, this problem is gone. Of course
this does not mean that you should stroll around your house in your pyjamas all day, but it
does mean that you can choose more casual and comfortable clothes than the ones you had
to wear for work.
 1.2.4 You have more time for your interests and hobbies

When you are focused on your career, you usually do not have enough time for hobbies or
interests. But when you retire, you suddenly have much more free time and finally there is
room for spending time on your hobbies. So now, for example, you have enough time to
pursue your passion for painting, knitting, collecting old photos or whatever else interests
you.

1.2.5 It is easier to lead a healthier lifestyle

Being under stress, in a hurry, running from one side to another can leave a toe on your
health. After retirement you can really step back, relax and take time for your mental and
physical health. Now you have time to practice yoga, go swimming, take up meditation,
develop your own eating schedule and diet, all the things you could not do so easily while
still working.

1.2.6 Start learning something new

Do not forget the importance of lifelong learning. Just because you are retired and have
many experiences in certain areas, that does not mean that you cannot learn something new.
Now you have time to read some interesting books, join a course about history, art or
whatever else interests you.

1.2.7 You have more time for your family and friends

One of the biggest benefits of the retirement period is that you finally have enough time to
spend around people you love. While working you were probably often too tired or too
busy to pick up your phone and make plans with your family and friends, but now there is
plenty of time and energy to do this.

1.2.8 You feel more relaxed

No matter how much one loves his or her job, there is always a sense of pressure at each
workplace, either coming from your boss, deadlines, paperwork or clients. After retiring
this stress is gone and you gradually start feeling more relaxed.
 1.3. Setting up a new routine

People are creatures of habit and sometimes being completely without any routine could
even be quite stressful or can make people feel useless or even lost or depressed. Therefore,
it is a good idea to set up a new routine when you retire, but of course one that you do not
have to follow as strictly as when you were still working. Let us find out some tips on how
to do this.

1.3.1 Replace your working hours with other activities you like

In case you feel bored during the period of time you used to spend at work, try to fill that
period with some other activities which you find interesting. Of course that does not mean
that you need to carry them out each day, but set these activities just in case you need
something to fill these so called ´empty´ hours during your day.

1.3.2 Take up a hobby

Finally, you have enough time to spend it on things you always wanted to do. So think
about something you like doing and make it your hobby. You can even join a course to
learn more about the topic of interest or just do it on your own, as you prefer. It can be
volunteering, gardening, painting, walking or whatever makes you happy and makes your
life fulfilled and happy.

1.3.3 Learn to relax

Yes, hobbies are fun and useful but be careful not to be caught up in them too much and try
to replace them with your previous job, because this will soon bring stress to your life. So
learn how to relax, take it easy, take time to rest and do absolutely nothing.

1.3.5 Make time to socialize on a daily basis

Loneliness is the worst thing that can probably happen to any person, especially when you
retire. So make sure that you keep your social life active. You can either make calls to your
family and friends, set up dinner dates with them, visit your friends, join a club, study circle
or any other organized activities, where you will be able to even expand your social net and
make new friends.

1.3.6 Work out regularly

Physical activities not only strengthen your body, but also your mind, they keep you fit,
reduce anxiety and stress and overall increase the quality of your life. Because it is not
always easy to get enough motivation for doing exercise, it is a good idea to set up a
weekly or a monthly schedule for the physical activities you plan to carry out. So you can
for example set one day in a week when you will go for a walk, another day for going to the
swimming pool and so on.

1.3.7 Keep Your Brain Active

It is not only important to keep your body active, your brain should stay active too. You can
achieve this by reading, solving crosswords and puzzles, and you can also search for
numerous memory games on the internet or in local libraries, which are not only useful for
keeping your brain busy, but also help with fighting dementia.

1.3.8 Start the day with one thing that makes you really happy

We all know that if we start a day in a good manner, usually the entire day will pass in a
positive atmosphere as well. So try to determine what activities you love doing in the
morning and always start the morning with those. This will fill you with energy which will
last all day and make your view of life more positive.

1.3.11 Set Goals

Setting goals can make you feel more motivated and gives you a sense of optimism about
the future. Looking forward to reaching your goals gives a special meaning to your life and
every day of it. We are not talking about huge goals, they can be small, such as for example
setting up the goal of walking 7 miles in one week or reading 5 books in the following 5
months or something like this.

Self-control questions

1. What is the fifth stage of retirement?

a) pre-retirement

b) reconciliation & stability

 c) reorientation

2. How many years before the actual retirement can the pre-retirement stage start?

a) 1 to 5 year

b) 3 to 8 years

c) 5 to 15 years

3. What is NOT the benefit of retirement

a) No alarm clock

b) Going to sleep when you want

c) You feel stressed

4. Why is it important to work out regularly?

a) To stay only physically fit

b) To stay fit physically and mentally

c) To have something to do

5. How should we start the day?

a) With something that makes us really happy

b) With strong coffee

c) With the daily newspaper

 4. E-program "What to teach to people with different disabilities and low level
of skills and competences" The responsible partner – Spain

Chapter 1 The support of people with different disabilities can help them
assimilate in the society.

There have been a wide range of opinions about people with disabilities and the definition
of disability. There is a little bit of confusion when you talk about it and the problem is not
only about the name and definition but conceptual. There was a need of defining a new
conceptual diagram that allowed a real coherence between people’s opinion, the picture we
make about them and our attitudes towards them.

According to the W.H.O. (1980), who published the International Classification of

Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps, it was needed to consider a new nomenclature for
all the problems resulting from the disability.

Because of the problematic, it is vital to start making visible the difference between
disability, impairment and handicap based on those dimensions:

- Impairment: It is any loss or abnormality of a psychological, physiological or

anatomical structure or function (Loss of memory, loss of sight, loss of a limb).

● Disability: Any restriction or absence of the ability to perform an activity in the

manner or within the range considered normal for a human being (Impairment of
the ability to learn, difficulty in dressing oneself).
● Handicap: A handicap is a disadvantageous situation for an individual as a result of
an impairment or disability that limits or prevents the performance of a role that is
normal for the individual according to age, sex or social and cultural factors
(Impossibility to get a job, absence of social relationships).

The three concepts are closely interrelated, when the disease or impairment occurs, it
affects the health status of the individual and his or her autonomy. For many years, the role
of the disabled person was seen as incapable of being autonomous by providing protection,
charity and assistance. This implied more dependence of the disabled person on the
environment.

It has been shown that it is largely the environment that determines the effect of the
impairment or disability, which affects not only the person, but also the environment itself.

It must be accepted that it is a social responsibility to identify and remove obstacles to

facilitate full participation, not only by removing attitudinal and physical barriers, but also
by developing and engaging in programmes that enable the reintegration of people with
disabilities into society.

It is very similar to the concept of Human Development used by the United Nations to
value the process of achieving a healthy life, acquiring knowledge, having access to a
decent life and enjoying human rights together with a democratic and participatory life.
This vision of vulnerability implies the development of inclusive policies and considering
impairment as a result of individual maladjustment and disability as a result of social
maladjustment.

It also implies: Meeting basic needs, absence of violence and vulnerability. Facilitating
everyone's participation in all social activities and processes. That political and social
institutions put the interests of those they serve first. To be able to freely determine one's
own goals and develop one's own skills and potential. To be able to become a social being
interrelated with the environment. The development of support systems and the
accommodation of the environment for participation as well as respect for differences and
diversity.

There are some things to keep in mind when we talk about integrity and disability:

● Community Based Planning.

● Standardisation: It implies the possibility to develop a life as similar as possible to
that considered normal in society, to live common experiences of development and
to have the possibility to choose life options and to be respected. This paradigm
does not emphasise that the person should be normal, but rather that the living
conditions of society should allow for the integration of all people.
● Diversity: This refers to the personal and socio-cultural differences that are evident
in the multiple expectations, motivations, work rhythms, abilities and learning
 styles. It is essential to take into account that people differ from each other in terms
of what they can and want to learn, what they have actually learned, and the pace
and ways in which they can learn, and this differential capacity is a primary source
of diversity.
● Equality of opportunity: It is understood as "the process by which the various
systems of society, the physical environment, services, activities, information and
documentation, are made equally available to all persons, seek to meet their needs
in their communities and within the common structures of education, health,
employment and social services".
● It implies equal rights, but assumption of responsibilities.

In order to provide adequate information about persons with disabilities:

● Avoid portraying persons with disabilities as pitiable.

● Carefully consider the words used to describe or characterise persons with
disabilities.
● Present them in the same multidimensional way as other people.
● The public should be provided with information on prevention and treatment.
● Present the successes and failures of persons with disabilities.

Practical example:

To make a better understanding of the three concepts that we have seen, we are going to
make it through some examples:

For example, think of a person with cardiomyopathy. Depending on the degree of the
disease, the impairment will be greater or lesser. The disability of this person would be not
being able to make great efforts or to have difficulty breathing, as a consequence, not being
able to run, to do some kind of jobs, to climb stairs running, to practise some sports, to
walk for a long time… The disability appears when interacting with the environment due to
a lack of control of the body, to a not adapted environment or when the person can not
make a job.

However, the three concepts are not always interconnected since not all people with an
impairment suffer from a disability, nor do all people with a disability suffer from a
handicap.

Another example could be a person with an impairment such as myopia. There are people
who wear glasses and are capable of developing a normal daily life activity, so they don’t
suffer from a disability. But it could be possible that a person with myopia does not see
clearly enough despite wearing glasses, which makes it a disability. It is said if their social
integration and interaction are affected because the environment is not adapted for them.

Exercise/Task 1

Knowing that it is not the same disability as impairment than handicap, which is each of
them in the following list of examples. It could be that one of them can be used more than
once.

● Hemiplegia
● Reduced mobility
● Difficulty to socialize
● Difficult to walk
● Difficulties for social integration
● Neurological deficit
● Difficulty to express emotions
● Loss of a leg
● Difficulty to talk
● Reduced physical independence
● Difficulty to move
● Difficult to express themselves
● To have only one leg
● A person who is unable of remembering names
● Difficulty to find a job
● A person who cannot speak properly
● A person who has Down’s syndrome

IMPAIRMENT DISABILITY HANDICAP

ANSWER:

IMPAIRMENT DISABILITY HANDICAP

Hemiplegia Difficulty to talk and to Reduced mobility

walk
Loss of a leg Reduced physical
A person who is unable of independence
Neurological deficit remembering names
Difficulty to socialize
A person who has Down’s A person who cannot speak
syndrome properly Difficulty to find a job

To have only one leg Difficult to walk Difficult to express

themselves
Difficult to move
Difficulties for social
Difficult to talk integration

Difficulty to express
emotions

Exercise/task 2
Think of the next situation: you are going to organise a trip to a museum in your city. It
happens that in the attendance list there are two people with disabilities. A person who
needs a wheelchair and a child with an intellectual disability who is going to make the
activity with his father.

Now you should think about what you need to cover all the needs they could have
(physical structures, support staff of the museum, more time to make the visit…). What else
do you need to adapt for them?

Is there anything you must make sure of before the visit?

Exercise/Task 3

What is the difference between a person who only has one leg and a person who has both
legs but one of them is orthopaedic?

ANSWER: talking about disabilities, impairment and handicaps, they have the same
impairment: the loss of a leg but, the person who has an orthopaedic leg has less disability
than the other one, because his/her impairment doesn’t limit his/her life the same way.
Also, there are much fewer handicaps for the person who has an orthopaedic leg because it
is more functional.

5. E-program “ When a person is temporarily unemployed” The responsible

partner – Croatia.

Chapter 1. The support to temporary unemployed people to find a job

a. How to prepare a CV

b. How to prepare for an interview

c. Job search steps

6. E-program “ When a person is a small business owner and an entrepreneur ”
The responsible partner – Hungary

Chapter 1. How to make a business Plan