SDIT is a three-year project that aims to promote the self-determination and inclusion of autistic people through theatre. The main objective is to design and implement an innovative adult education course addressed to professionals in the performative sector.
inclusion through theatre
Participation in Cultural Life, Recreation, Leisure And Sport is a right enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Culture is a powerful vehicle to foster the inclusion of autistic people in society. Among various cultural activities, theatre stands out as a means to provide psychological, intellectual, social, motor, cognitive, and physical stimulation that enhances the quality of life and inclusion of autistic people.
Using an innovative pilot methodology, the SDIT team intends to demonstrate that the inclusion of people with autism through theatre is facilitated if their collaborators are properly trained. The project will design and implement a pilot course aimed at 36 theater employees in Portugal, Spain and Italy, with the aim of preparing them for the inclusion of autistic people in theatrical contexts.
In practice, the project aims to:
Encouraging increased participation of autistic people in theatre companies.
Training collaborators in the artistic and performative sector in Spain, Portugal, and Italy through a course to ensure the acquisition of skills for the full inclusion and support of autistic youth and adults in their theatre groups’ activities.
Developing a “European Handbook on Inclusion through Theatre” to be freely accessible online.
Our Partners
-
ISCTE
Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, founded in 1972, is a public university operating as a public foundation under private law. With 9,000 students, 400 faculty, and 200 staff, Iscte emphasizes innovation, quality, and internationalization. Its research arm, CIES-Iscte, focuses on sociology and related fields, contributing to public policy and scientific advancement through multidisciplinary projects and publications.
-
Autismo Sevilla
Autismo Sevilla is a non-profit association of parents of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The organization was created on 1978.Over 180 professionals and over 100 volunteers provide services and support to almost 1000 people with Autism every year. Moreover, Autismo Sevilla is an Autism Resource Centre in our region offering guidance, advice and training to people with ASD, families, professionals and other organizations that support people on the Autism Spectrum.
-
Inovar Autismo
Inovar Autismo is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 by autistic individuals, family members, and advocates for Human Rights and Inclusion. Its mission is to promote the inclusion of autistic individuals and their families, aiming for a society where everyone, regardless of disability, has a rightful place. The organization supports autistic people and their families throughout their lives by enhancing their capacities and skills, defending their rights, promoting self-determination and independent living, and raising awareness about inclusion, autism, and disability.
-
Autism Europe
Autism-Europe is an international association whose main objective is to advance the rights of autistic people and to help them improve their quality of life. AE also strives for more awareness and understanding of autism in society.
-
Teatro da Vila
ASSOCIAÇÃO TEATRO DA VILA, founded in May 2016, is a community-driven children's theatre group in Pamela, Portugal. They focus on promoting artistic creation and expression through theatrical events, emphasizing interaction, communication, and social inclusion. With 70 children, 22 adults, and 10 staff members, they are renowned for their work with autistic people and other disabilities, demonstrating significant artistic and intellectual development.
-
Diversamente ODV
Diversamente ODV, founded in 2007 by parents of autistic people, is dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people and their families. They focus on community integration, raising awareness, and promoting the Charter for Persons with Autism. The organization has 6 board members, 2 staff (including one autistic person), and an Argentinian volunteer. Diversamente ODV is a member of Autism Europe, the National Network of Autism, the World Autism Organization, and ANGSA, collaborating with various groups to promote autism inclusion.