THE ACTIVITIES OF THE YOUNG IN THE ASSOCIATION OF PARAPLEGICS OF SLOVENIA
GOALS AND PURPOSES OF THE PROGRAMMES FOR THE YOUNG PARAPLEGICS
Until recently we all, at least in the majority of cases, were involved in common social relations. Then, fatefully injured, we had to accept radical changes in our life-style. All of a sudden many things, even everyday ones, such as meeting new people and looking for a life companion, were inaccessible to us. This was due to several reasons: architectural barriers, injury shock, a new way of life, the public attitude to disabled persons and many others.
Until the war in the Balkans the Association of Paraplegics of Slovenia offered conditions, at least to some extent, for a kind of social life and psycho-social rehabilitation in the holiday home for reconstructive rehabilitation in Pineta on the Croatian coast. There our young members could find new friends, renew their self-confidence and will for life. While staying there, although it was only a fourteen-day period, many of them were given moral support and the social opportunities that everyone needs. Since 1993 this has been impossible. The information that since then only one couple has got married in the Association of Paraplegics is eloquent.
The vacancy has been filled with young people's activities, which have achieved and even exceeded the desired and expected results. The vanished social life of the young paraplegics has been given a new momentum, which shows the necessity for such programmes and the good prospects for these and similar activities.
Besides this, our young members have a strong desire for and need of education, which also is often impossible for them to acquire, usually due to architectural barriers. Their need is being partly satisfied by organizing various educational courses for them in places easy of access. Thus many young paraplegics have been able to begin an active social life and to lose their feeling of inferiority. Their self-confidence, independent involvement in social relations and their wish to become more productive in the present-day social system are indicative.
With the help of able-bodied participants in these planned activities we have gained many new experiences to renew our self-respect and make other people respect us as well. New friendships and new love-affairs have arisen, which is one of the most pleasing results. Additionally, it can be said that young paraplegics with their activities contribute to the general public awareness in its attitude towards disabled persons.
Hence, young people's activities proved successful. We are looking forward to next year when we would like to realize more ideas and projects.
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