In different parts of the country initiatives have been launched that seek break down barriers and facilitate participation de people with intellectual disabilities in culture, employment, and community life. From new accessibility tools in Madrid to adapted selection processes in Castilla-La Mancha and employment projects in Tomelloso, institutional and social support is gaining ground.
This mosaic of actions, in which administrations and third-sector entities collaborate, shares a common thread: to guarantee understandable supports, real job opportunities and meeting spaces for families. The agenda includes measures in the Community of Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Tomelloso, and Mérida, with proposals that combine innovation, coordination, and a rights-based approach.
Cultural accessibility in Madrid: an easy-to-read guide to the Felipe II Train
The Community of Madrid has presented a easy-to-read guide aimed at people with intellectual disability or reading comprehension difficulties who take the Felipe II Train tourist route. The tool, developed by Plena Inclusión Madrid and managed by the transport company Alsa, aims to make the experience truly accessible to everyone.
The event was attended by the Minister of Family, Youth and Social Affairs, Ana Dávila, and the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport, Mariano de Paco Serrano, supporting an initiative that combines tourism, culture and cognitive accessibilityThe guide, adapted to be easy to read, allows you to understand itineraries, times, basic rules, and points of interest without losing essential information.
With this measure, the regional administration is moving forward in universalizing access to cultural resources, integrating understandable materials and supports that facilitate independence in leisure and tourism activities. Collaboration with the associative movement reinforces the quality of the adaptation and its practical usefulness for travelers and families.
Adapted public employment in Castilla-La Mancha: start of independent shifts
Castilla-La Mancha has started the selection processes for its 2023-2024 Public Employment Offer with the independent shift for people with intellectual disabilitiesIn Toledo, at the IES Universidad Laboral, the first tests with adapted syllabi and exams have been held.
According to the general director of Public Function, José Narváez, there are offers 46 specific places General Administration (29 administrative assistants and 17 cleaning and domestic services staff), for which 581 candidates have registered. Around 22% of the candidates have requested adaptations related to the equipment used in the tests.
The logistics device mobilized more than 84 professionals (cleaning, orderlies, support technicians, courts, and a specially trained security team), with support functions in classrooms and on routes to ensure the peace of mind of each candidate. The system is a competitive examination: the competitive examination phase assesses previous services, and in the competitive examination, there are 100 minutes to answer 20 multiple choice questions and 5 reserve questions, all in easy reading.
These tests are part of an OEP that adds 2.306 General Administration positions and will continue for several weekends until October 25 with exams for other subgroups. Narváez stressed that the modification of the regional Public Employment Law has allowed the consolidation of the independent shift to facilitate access of this group to the public service, in line with the commitment to approve annual OEP and strengthen public services.
The process has included the collaboration of CERMI Castilla-La Mancha, whose recommendations were incorporated into the organization. Its manager, José Antonio Romero, also highlighted the support units Promoted by the Board: More than 112 people with intellectual disabilities who passed previous calls and currently work in the Administration receive support to strengthen their performance, as a result of an agreement with the CIEES Foundation.
Tomelloso, a benchmark in job placement: the work of the Cadisla Foundation
The mayor of Tomelloso, Javier Navarro, visited the facilities of Cadisla Foundation along with the Councilor for Social Services, Elena Villahermosa, and emphasized that the city is a benchmark in social and employment inclusion for people with disabilities. The councilor highlighted the work of a team that offers, in addition to employment, a life with meaning, autonomy and dignity.
Participating in the tour were the foundation's president, Bernabé Blanco; the vice president, Mª Carmen Navarro; the director, Cristina MarÃn; and the president of AFAS, Luis Perales, who presented the project. new training and employment projects, along with improvements to its facilities. The organization promotes training and employment programs in a wide variety of trades.
Working people carry out activities such as conservation of natural spaces, screen printing, and signage, among others. This range of work opens doors to both the mainstream and protected markets, with ongoing support and a rights-based approach that prioritizes each individual's choice and life plan.
Cadisla is a non-profit foundation established in 2013 by AFAS and the Puertas Abiertas Association. This year, AFAS has assumed responsibility for 100% of management to improve the operational efficiency of services. The strategy combines training, personalized itineraries, and partnerships with local governments and businesses, which strengthens the social and labor fabric from Tomelloso.
The City Council reiterated its commitment in the form of concrete support, resources and institutional collaboration, with the aim of expanding real employment opportunities and consolidating inclusive models that work for everyone, especially those who need more support.
Mérida celebrates a family gathering to build community
Plena Inclusión Extremadura, in collaboration with the City Council of Mérida, organizes a family coexistence for people with intellectual disabilities under the slogan "The magic is in the heartbeat that connects us." The event will take place on Saturday, September 20, in Parque de las Siete Sillas, starting at 10:30 a.m.
The event will bring together families from across the region and other organizations linked to the field of intellectual disability to promote associative participation and create a space for shared enjoyment and mutual support, also open to those who are not part of the associative movement.
The program includes workshops, storytelling, games, batucada, DJ and magic, in addition to activities for all ages and surprises that will be announced on social media. This initiative is designed to reach out to the public and highlight the realities of families.
The manager of Plena Inclusión Extremadura, Sebastián González, highlighted the institutional collaboration and the support of the Mérida City Council for the initiative. The coordinator of the Family Program, Almudena Medina, emphasized that the meeting is held in an open space for share, get to know each other and create networks beyond the associative sphere.
From the council, the delegate for Universal Accessibility and Inclusion, Susana Fajardo, celebrated that families occupy and enjoy the municipal public spaces, inviting all citizens to participate. The proposal reinforces the community-based approach to inclusion and the right to the city.
With initiatives that improve cognitive accessibility, open public and private employment routes, and strengthen support between families, different territories are moving towards more effective inclusion of people with intellectual disabilitiesCoordination between administrations and social entities, supportive planning, and active community participation are key levers for turning rights into tangible opportunities.
