Description of organisation

The Slovenian Association of Disabled Students joins students with various types and degrees of disabilities or chronic diseases, studying at any public or private higher or further education institution in Slovenia. The organization started as a club and is an independent disability NGO since the year 2000. Its aim is to contribute to the inclusive educational, employment and social environments for young disabled people and to enable and support them in living an active and independent life.

The goals of the association are:
• create an inclusive educational environment for all students, regardless of their type or degree of disability or illness
• ensure equal opportunities for all students
• encourage independent living for all students
• prevent discrimination and raise awareness about diversity
• ensure social inclusion of disabled people in society
• ensure and promote active participation of disabled students in cultural, recreational and social activities and events

The association provides the following supports and services:
• adapted transportation
• personal assistance
• adaptation of study materials into accessible formats
• access to modern ICT
• advice on studying related to accessibility, disclosure, adjustments and supports
• advice on scholarships, housing, student meals, social supports and technical aids
• advice on career development and employment
• support for higher education and other institutions in developing inclusive educational environment

Activities for our members include participation in:
• recreational activities (swimming, fitness training, skiing camp)
• social events (monthly get-togethers with an invited guest, picnics)
• reading and reflection club
• non-formal learning courses and activities (languages, ICT, intercultural learning, soft skills)
• international youth exchanges
• ESC volunteering activities

Supports and services are coordinated and delivered by staff and volunteers working in two locations – Ljubljana and Maribor.

Inclusion topics

This organisation is willing to involve volunteers who face situations which make their participation in activities more difficult, from the following categories for different types of project:

• Disability
• Health problems