Disabled people have to deal with life problems and face many barriers which hamper their social integration. The “Creativity Festival for disabled persons - Creativity without barriers" is an annual event organised by the NGO T•cza (Rainbow) where all associations working with disabled people in the Szczecin
region get together with the public authorities. The aim of the Festival is to foster the empowerment and social integration of disabled people, especially children and teenagers, and release their creative potential.
The main issues faced by disabled people in Poland are:
· Lack of social initiatives for the integration of disabled people and their families;
· The difficulties experienced by disabled people in realising their aspiration in social, cultural and
professional life;
· Lack of financial resources to support disabled people;
· Limited knowledge amongst disabled people about available support and services.The festival consist of the following activities:
· A craft fair – stands with crafts made by disabled people (such as
Christmas decorations, ceramics, paintings, collages, and so on) have been organised. These products are sold and the money gathered is used to organise support actions for disabled people; Concert and theatre – performances are given by Polish artists and disabled children and teenagers. The performances involve singing, dancing and theatre plays; an information-counselling point – where disabled people receive information about work
opportunities and employers learn about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
The festivals organised in 2006, 2007 and 2008 have been attended by
a wide range of associations dealing with disabled people, disabled people themselves (children, youth and adults), artists, regional authorities and the wider public.The Festival stimulates creative thinking through artistic performances realised by disabled people. These performances unleash the hidden artistic skills of people with disability to the wider public. The event empowers the participants by giving them the possibility to participate actively within the social and artistic life of the region.
The Festival brings people together, creates bonds and connections and challenges stereotypes and discriminations that still persist within the society.
Moreover the event gives rise to a creative space of debate and exchange of opinions between disabled people, the wider public and NGOs, and provides these groups with networking opportunities.
The Festival has been promoted widely through local media (local radio and television) as well through the websites of the public authorities involved.The Festival is a sustainable initiative as it received the support of local and regional public authorities. Since 2006, it is organised each year before Christmas. The initiative will be continued in the future, including a wider range of stakeholders. The festival has gained popularity as well as funding from public bodies participating in the event.
www.tecza.org.pl