Encouraging autonomy of people with disabilities
Jairo, SpainWe don't usually think of people with disabilities as volunteers, but rather as recipients of services, so it's very
important to have role models like me who volunteer despite having a disability.
Jairo volunteered in Italy in 2008 and in Germany in 2010 with 'Anffas Pordenone' (Italia) and 'BHH Behindertenhilfe Hamburg' (Germany), supported by 'Asociación Cultural En Construcción' (Spain).
🎤 What has been the most memorable or impactful moment from your volunteering experience — something you will never forget?
"In my twenties, I had never had the opportunity to go out at night with people my age until I did the European Voluntary Service. I also had to do household chores such as vacuuming and scrubbing for the first time in my life. At first, it was hard for me to be away from the security of my family, but I met people who supported me during this experience and helped me become more independent."
🎤 What type of impact did your engagement have on the local community where you were active?
"At the centre where I did my volunteering in Germany, I recorded a short documentary about the situation of people with disabilities in that country, and when I returned to Asturias, I took part in various events to encourage other people with disabilities to do European volunteering."
🎤 How has volunteering contributed to your personal growth, professional development, or overall outlook on life?
"Participating in two European volunteer projects, even though they were short, helped me learn to make decisions for myself and become more independent within my family environment. I learned to interact with diverse people and became more open to others. I also gained the confidence to go out on my own in my city with my wheelchair."
🎤 Why do you believe volunteering is important?
"Volunteering in general helps you learn about other realities that you would not know about if you stayed at home, and it makes you feel more part of society. We don't usually think of people with disabilities as volunteers, but rather as recipients of services, so it is very important to have role models like me who volunteer despite having a disability."
🎤 What is your birthday wish for the 30th anniversary of EU supported volunteering — and for the next 30 years to come?
"Greater emphasis should be placed on publicising mobility projects and reaching more people with disabilities."
Updated on Martes, 14/04/2026