In English

"Leaving the nest programme" to support the more independent life of youth living with Williams syndrome or other rare disease

Run by the Hungarian Williams Syndrome Association; supported by the EEA/Norway Grants

The conditions for the mentally challenged to live autonomously and their opportunities for jobs are rather poor in Hungary. It means that a serious burden is placed on their families. An earlier project of the Foundation successfully strengthened the need of the mentally challenged people for autonomy from their parents and their search for employment. The goal of the project is the preparation of the young mentally challenged (especially those affected with Williams syndrome and other rare diseases) for an autonomous life through work and trainings, that meet their needs and their personalities. During work, the mentally challenged persons will gain experience in organising events. As a result of this activity a nonprofit initiative could be started that might even turn into a for-profit enterprise on the long run. The events will be catered towards the immediate needs of the people involved, since they themselves take part in the organisation. Other, similar initiatives could use the knowledge and experience gained from the project. Besides these activities, the participants will organise four events, - ranging from one-day to two-week long – in the framework of a training led by specialists. The professional work will be implemented with the cooperation of the Norwegian Frambu and the ELTE BGGYK [Eötvös Loránd University - Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Education]. The results and methods of the project will be available to the interested institutions and persons through broad professional communication.