TITLE:
Implementing a Service of Independent Living Using a Participatory Approach
AUTHORS:
Ivan Traina
KEYWORDS:
Participatory Approach, Independent Living, Autonomy, Living Lab, Vulnerable Groups
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.3 No.4,
April
25,
2016
ABSTRACT: This paper presents a case study about the implementation of a service of
independent living using a participatory approach. The service promoted living
experiences in apartments with innovative activities, characterized by means
for the development of personal autonomy addressed to persons with disabilities
and older persons. The paper shows the methodology applied, the experimentation
process and the lessons learnt from the experience. Realized in the framework
of the doctoral thesis titled “Social
inclusion of vulnerable groups through participatory and emancipatory
approaches. Implementing active citizenship and socially innovative actions in
the framework of civil & human rights model of disability”. The implementation
of the service has allowed demonstrating the initial research hypothesis
according to which “an open participation
in the co-creation of a service makes life easier for vulnerable groups”, gaining
more knowledge about how to involve vulnerable groups as co-creators of
services. This aspect can support the shift from situations based only on
medical approach (passive situation), towards ones based on human rights
(active situation). Placing the person with her/his needs, desires, objectives
and expectations at the centre of actions and interventions.