WAVE is a European project dedicated to active participation and the empowerment of adolescents aged 13 to 17 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The project stems from the awareness that these young people are still poorly represented in decision-making processes. Their views are often interpreted or conveyed by adults, while accessible tools, real opportunities and inclusive structures that allow them to make their own voice heard directly are lacking.
At the heart of WAVE is the creation of Children’s Advisory Boards in Finland, Italy and Bulgaria: advisory groups made up of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, involved as protagonists and co-creators of the project activities. Participants will contribute to the development and testing of participation tools and mechanisms, engage with policy makers and institutional representatives, and be prepared to take part in democratic processes at local, national and European level.
WAVE aims to:
- help young people learn about their rights and recognise the value of their voice;
- strengthen skills such as communication, self-determination, decision-making and self-advocacy;
- create participation approaches suited to each young person’s needs and strengths;
- train professionals, families and caregivers so they can listen to and involve young people in an authentic way;
- foster dialogue between young people, organisations, services and public decision-makers;
- promote a culture in which young people with disabilities are recognised as active, capable citizens.
Implemented by organisations from Finland, Italy, Bulgaria and France, WAVE aims to contribute to lasting change: a European society in which every young person can be heard, participate and influence the decisions that affect their life.
