After two years of intensive work, the Erasmus+ project «GENDER DRAMA ID» aimed at developing an innovative methodology to train people with intellectual disabilities in gender equality through theater has come to an end. This initiative was created to make a lasting impact on the path toward a more inclusive and equal society.
The team is composed of experts in intellectual disability: FEVADIS, as the coordinating entity in Valencia, Spain; CERCI in Lisbon, Portugal; HURT in Croatia; and EDRA in Greece. The project also drew on the expertise of theater organizations such as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) in Greece and CEDEUM in Serbia.
Additionally, Vicente Traver Salcedo, Manuel Traver and Zoe Valero Ramón, from the Universitat Politècnica de València – ITACA Institute, have collaborated in developing an accessible website and digital training platform.
Through the work of this team and under the approach known as ‘Drama-Based Training,’ the project has developed a guide for trainers and cognitively adapted materials, all specifically designed to address gender issues with people with intellectual disabilities. These materials were validated through testing in real settings, yielding very positive results in enhancing understanding and awareness of gender equality within the community.
What results have been achieved?
The individuals with intellectual disabilities who participated in the project have been able to open their minds to gender equality issues, learning to identify and reflect on situations of inequality.
Furthermore, through theater, the participants created both fictional scenes and those based on real experiences, which facilitated group cooperation, constructive debate, and the enhancement of their social and emotional skills.
On the other hand, the use of the digital training platform has allowed participants to develop digital competencies while engaging in training activities and challenges, thereby mitigating the digital divide that exists within this community. Thanks to this innovative approach, the project has promoted active participation and facilitated more inclusive access to technology.
Training guide and free materials: Where can we find them?
With the closure of this project, the team invites the general public and entities from the social and educational sectors to explore and make use of this methodology and its materials, all accessible through the platform [www.genderdramaid.eu].
The project has proven to be a valuable and necessary tool for training people with intellectual disabilities in gender equality, promoting inclusion, learning, and the development of competencies on a topic that is so relevant to our society.
