Capacitaciones en Masó

“On the fulfilment of the task of training and awareness on disability in Bartolomé Masó, within the Project: Participatory Cultures for Equitable Development between Cuba and the United Kingdom, the intention is to provide training and awareness on disability. This initiative aims to build knowledge on these topics based on the wisdom of people with disabilities, the missions of associations, health and education professionals, and social workers. Initially directed at the management team of the Municipal University Center (CUM), the effort will later extend to families, local councils, institutions, and organizations in the municipality, fostering greater sensitivity and understanding toward this population group.”  

To achieve this goal, a training program was structured with specific actions to be carried out. The first executed action was a summer workshop on sign language, conducted by members of the deaf community in the municipality. In November, two highly significant actions took place: a scientific event titled “Participatory Cultures, Disability, Training, and Social Work.” Thirty participants attended, including nine individuals with disabilities who played a central role. They shared ideas on how to address disability in various aspects of family and social life, recounted moving stories about overcoming disability, and reaffirmed their willingness to contribute to training efforts wherever needed. The event also included association presidents, social workers, student scientific group members, and the management team from the Municipal University Center, who presented tools for future studies.

In celebration of December 3rd, the management team of the Municipal University Center (CUM) organized an awareness activity at Bartolomé Masó Park, located in the municipality’s main area. During this event, people with disabilities showcased their skills in martial arts and table tennis. The work with children who have intellectual and visual disabilities was also highlighted through theater, music, and dance performances. Additionally, there were pastry and carpentry exhibitions featuring members of the deaf community from the Turquino Plan. Informational pamphlets related to how we should interact with individuals with disabilities in various situations were distributed. Finally, the achievements of the projects “Learning to Grow” and “Labor Integration for People with Disabilities” were publicly acknowledged.

In December, the theme of disability and inclusion was addressed from the perspective of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In January, training took place through a workshop led by the municipal methodologist for Special Education, focusing on educational inclusion and the transformation process in Special Education. Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction, recognizing these spaces as valuable practices in support of disability. These initiatives foster co-creation and a dedicated effort to train and raise awareness among the Masó community, ultimately aiming for an improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities