Implementation period: June 2024 – May 2025
Funding source: Funded by the European Union and implemented under the Open Lithuania Foundation’s „Verta!“ program.
Project title: Development of Strategic Activities at Panevėžys Autism Association „Lietaus vaikai“
Project goal:
To provide autistic youth with opportunities to develop independence, social, and self-expression skills through a long-term volunteering program, as well as to disseminate quality information about autism in order to help shift public attitudes towards the learning needs of autistic children and youth.
Problem addressed:
Autistic youth face significant socialization challenges due to difficulties in social interaction, a lack of understanding of social norms, and limited communication skills. Society often lacks knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder, which can lead to harmful stereotypes and hinder appropriate responses to the individual needs of autistic people. The organization “Lietaus vaikai” aims to bridge this gap by raising awareness and providing targeted support to autistic youth.
Main activities:
Adaptation of the BBBS Program: A volunteer-based program in Panevėžys will be developed for autistic youth, modeled on the Big Brother Big Sister approach, aimed at improving communication and independence skills.
Communication Campaign: Spreading information about autism and its challenges across Panevėžys County using various communication channels and educational tools.
Educational Program: Development of a training program promoting understanding of neurodiversity and human rights, aimed at both the general public and professionals.
Geographic scope: The project will be implemented in Panevėžys city and county.
Results:
8 autistic children and young people participated in a long-term volunteer program, which helped them develop communication and independence skills.
A team of 10 volunteers was recruited and trained. They are now prepared to build friendships with autistic youth.
31 participants took part in the EU values training “Democratic Values in Practice.”
Awareness of the organization’s communication channels increased by 20%.
A podcast on autism-related topics was launched. 8 episodes were released (one per month), and a partnership was initiated with the radio station Pulsas.
A content quality evaluation tool was implemented on the website, and data is analyzed quarterly.
Internal communication was strengthened with the introduction of a monthly newsletter.
An educational program on neurodiversity and human rights was created and presented. 4 educational events were held, reaching a minimum in-person audience of 55 people.
You can find the project’s visual communication summary here.
Project budget: €29,970.00
