Games for Improving Affectivity in Youngsters with Intellectual Disabilities

<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the critical gap in sexual health education for Young People with Intellectual Disabilities (YPWID). Research reveals that YPWID are over 50% more likely than their peers to engage in unsafe sexual practices, primarily due to inadequate education tailored to their needs. Misconceptions about YPWID sexuality, such as beliefs that they cannot control impulses or participate in relationships, further hinder their development and inclusion.International frameworks like the UN CRPD and the EU Disability Strategy, while upholding disability rights, inadequately address Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), leaving YPWID underserved in this vital area. GIAff4ID aims to fill this gap by training youth workers and caregivers, dismantling harmful stereotypes, and developing accessible, game-based educational tools.Our goal was to empower YPWID with knowledge, self-awareness, and advocacy skills, enabling them to lead safe, fulfilling lives and participate fully in society.<< Objectives >>The overarching goal was to provide YW with adaptable, inclusive tools to deliver relevant sexual and affectivity education to YPWID. By focusing on their needs and expectations, the project sought to address critical gaps in knowledge and ensure materials were suitable for diverse learning abilities.- Empowerment of YPWID by creating tailored educational materials the project aimed to equip youth workers with a Guidance Toolkit based on interviews with YPWID, which identified their needs, expectations and existing knowledge.- Reduction of vulnerabilities the project addressed the risks associated with unsafe sexual practices among YPWID by providing tailored sexual education that promotes safety, consent, and responsibility.- Capacity Building for Caregivers and Youth Work Train caregivers and youth workers to deliver inclusive and effective sexual education, ensuring they have the tools to support YPWID in diverse learning contexts.- Development of Innovative Tools engaging, game-based learning resources designed specifically for YPWID.- Long-term social change aim to foster a societal shift toward recognizing the rights, capabilities and dignity of YPWID, contributing to the to their holistic development and participation.<< Implementation >>The project was based on a model of causality, intervention and impact which served as the working hypothesis for the project's activities and the main framework for reflecting on process quality achieved. Matching project’s objectives, we implemented the following key activities:Needs аssessment, desk research and focus groups with YPWID, caregivers, and youth workers to identify gaps in knowledge and barriers to sexual education. Reviewed existing materials and frameworks to inform the project’s approach and tools.Created age-appropriate еducational мaterials and accessible sexual education resources tailored to the cognitive and emotional needs of YPWID.Designed 6 game-based learning activities to make education engaging and inclusive.Organized workshops to equip youth workers and caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver sexual education effectively.Disseminated information through social media, community events, and collaboration with local organizations.Piloted and adjusted educational resources and game-based learning activities with small groups of YPWID to ensure effectiveness and accessibility.Collected feedback from participants to refine the materials further.<< Results >>By implementing the project were developed 6 age-appropriate sexual education resources specifically designed for YPWID.Successfully tested educational tools with YPWID, incorporating their feedback to enhance the materials. As the main results were: the created Compendium with instructional materials and game-based learning tools to ensure engagement and adaptability to diverse learning abilities and equipping youth workers and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to provide effective sexual education.The key results were relatetd to improved knowledge and skills of youth workers gained confidence and expertise in delivering sexual education tailored to YPWID.During the implemented laboratories YPWID demonstrated increased understanding of topics such as consent, relationships, and personal safety.Increased Inclusivity by strengthened collaboration between educators to support YPWID.Produced and disseminated informational materials are aimed to raise public awareness and to share the results to the main target groups.