https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R7392m0Fo-D-qA-alb2objd9hJbWDK6_?usp=drive_link

We danced, we wrote and draw, we talked a lot, we acted. For some people it was hard to understand the point of the play. They said that they go to the doctor with their mother and mother talks for them, and it's OK. So we practiced the scene with the young person talking.

We have one nonverbal student. he was active, he understood the situations, but whwn we will practice our speesh it can cause some difficulties.

(Sorry about the photo ... this was the best of a very bad lot!)

The course takes place at Train Inc Café, in the meeting room 1st floor, in order to accommodate as many participants as possible, especially those coming from far away.

There were 11 participants aged 16 to 32, girls and boys + 2 new members of the association also joining in. Jean-Philippe started the first lesson, with the help of Kevin and myself.

For this first lesson, we decided that we were all students, myself included. The role of teacher would come later, after gaining experience in the upcoming lessons, as well as from the rest of the Together for Inclusion program. Given the size of the group, we wanted to ensure a good cohesion among the participants, so a fantastic icebreaker involving dancing and self-introductions from each participant was scheduled.

The first to introduce themselves did so, in a theatrical style, and the rest of the group continued to play along, encouraged by each other. It was surprising to see some members, who were usually very introverted, become so uninhibited. Jean-Philippe began by showing the videos from Madrid, addressing the question: What does it mean to be a Self Advocate ? Then we moved on to videos featuring speakers of various levels.

We immediately felt a growing interest in speaking up, with Jean-Philippe serving as a role model.

Several participants shared personal anecdotes, relating them to what could make them representatives in their own lives.

During the role-playing activities, their desire to speak out loudly and clearly to explain that they knew how to do many things and that they were capable of speaking for themselves was much greater than the help we could offer. Surprisingly, most of them asked to watch the speaker videos again in order to refine their lines for the second scene of the role-play, where they were no longer passive.

As a result, we modified the program and showed the Madrid videos, highlighting both good and bad examples to follow.

During their role-plays, Kevin and Dylan categorically refused to remain passive and confidently spoke clearly.

When asked, "What did you like most about this lesson?" the participants were divided evenly, with half citing the icebreaker activity and the other half the speaking activities.

The interest in using speech as a key to unlocking all their rights and offering them all possibilities is truly real! I am, I can, I will !

The group work also sparked an incredible enthusiasm, leading everyone to think, "I can do this too..."

These sessions provided a safe space where individuals could voice their opinions, share experiences, and learn essential skills to advocate for their rights and independence.

On Saturday, February 8th, and Sunday, February 9th, our student members of #tcap21, led by Jean Philippe Barone, practiced the art of oratory for some, and simply shared their stories for others, through 3 working groups. See you in mid-May for the grand oral at the European Parliament.

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It was the first time for Orfeas, and it was a confusing process, in order for him to be able to be prepared and remember his role and educate the students, who are people that he shares his everyday life with! Students also found this part confusing, but as the training was taking place, it was very interesting for them to participate in the project, as it is a subject they often want to discuss about! They felt really empowered, after finishing the training, and kept asking to repeat some parts and learn more on the process of how to claim their rights, rather than speak up for them.

https://www.ds-infocenter.de/464455dd-496b-4752-937a-e3e76529ebbb