More contact with working life, a youth house for young adults, or e-sports training facilities. There’s no shortage of ideas when Norwegian MAP-group in the ESIRA-project meets for the first time at the Inland Norway Science Park in Kongsvinger.
ESIRAs Norwegian MAP group newly had it’s kick off in Kongsvinger in Inland Norway. The goal was to develop and test ideas that will make this region in Eastern Norway a more inclusive place for people with disabilities.
A participant emphasizes that it shouldn’t matter whether one uses wheels or platform shoes. Everyone agrees, and there are already many positive developments in the region. However, the statistics on exclusion remain troubling. Why is that?
Research shows that the Kongsvinger region has more people outside the workforce and a lower education level than the average in Norway and in the Inland region. More young people than in other regions are without a job or school, and thus experience exclusion. In addition, many people with disabilities find that they are excluded because, for example, parks, buildings, and events lack universal design.
A European Project
The MAP is established as part of the 4-year research project ESIRA, aiming to improve social inclusion of vulnerable groups in rural areas in eight European countries. The project in Norway is run by Eastern Norway Research Institute at the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences and Inland County Municipality. Together, they have chosen to focus on the social inclusion of people with disabilities in the Kongsvinger region.
There, they have recruited 17 people with diverse backgrounds to initiate good measures. The participants come from the voluntary sector, business sector, public sector, and some are experience experts or relatives of individuals with disabilities.
Desire for Universal design and Social Arenas
“Based on the statistics and interviews we have conducted, we recommend prioritizing inclusion, universal design, and social spaces,” encourages researcher and group coordinator Lisa Wold as the assembly begins its first brainstorming session.
In Norway, wheelchair users must book train tickets 48 hours in advance. “However, they often find themselves stranded on the platform because the train’s ramp doesn’t align with the platform, or the lift is out of service”, explains one group participant. “Could this project help bring attention to such issues?”
Another participant adds, “We excel in considering universal design, but many important aspects are often overlooked during the construction phase. Why not conduct tests and assessments of universal design in the region to ensure that everyone can navigate and access spaces effectively?”
There is also a strong desire for a community center for young adults. “I envision a low-threshold space where individuals can enjoy a coffee, play games, listen to music, and truly be themselves,” reflects a group member.
The Connection Between the Virtual and Real World
Even though there are already some activities in the region, it remains particularly challenging to engage youth with visible disabilities. “Young people generally don’t want to feel different or stand out. They prefer having a friend to accompany them,” explains a group participant.
The discussion then shifts to how young people often find a greater sense of community in the virtual world, where factors like language, skin color, or disability are less significant. This leads to the idea of integrating the virtual and real worlds within a social arena, suggesting that e-sports training facilities could play a pivotal role.
At the next meeting, the Norwegian MAP will vote on which initiative to launch first. The goal is to implement five projects over the next three years, guided and supported by the ESIRA team. Additionally, the researchers will compile reports and articles to contribute to a broader summary for Brussels, aiming to influence the development of inclusive policies at both local and European levels.
By Windy Kester Moe, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
Photo: Aleksander Bern, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
