SONČEK - CEREBRAL PALSY ASSOCIATION OF SLOVENIA
Who are we?
SONČEK - the Cerebral Palsy Association of Slovenia is a nonprofit, nongovernmental and non-political organization for people with disabilities and their parents. It was established in 1983. The organization incorporates fifteen regional societies for cerebral palsy, the Society for prematurely born children and the Sport Society for cerebral palsy »Žarek«.
The societies unite over 4.000 children, youth and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, as well as their relatives, professionals and volunteers. As a national organization, Sonček presents the associations common standpoints. It also coordinates negotiations concerning maters of common interest with other organizations of disabled people in the national umbrella organization.
Sonček is a member of the International Cerebral Palsy Society and the European Association of Service providers for People with Disabilities.
Mission
Sonček advocates conditions that will ensure equal opportunities for all residents of Slovenia, regardless of their physical or intellectual abilities, for a life of their own vision in accordance with all other inhabitants.
Vision
Sonček strives to create a cultural environment that will except the differences in physical and intellectual abilities without prejudice.
Goals
1. Create a public opinion and culture that will be tolerant towards differences.
2. Create legal conditions and a system of help that will ensure equal opportunities for people with different intellectual or physical abilities.
3. Remove communication barriers for people that are physical, sensorially or verbally deprived.
4. Enable people with abilities to represent their own interests by themselves or with help of representatives that they choose.
5. Organize services for people with special needs.
Our Services
Service centers in Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Kranj, Slovenj Gradec, Koper, Ptuj, Murska Sobota, Novo mesto and Krško.
Holiday and therapy centers in Elerji on the coast and the farm Vrtiče in the rural countryside.
Support in group homes for adults with disabilities in Ljubljana, Maribor, Dravograd, Koper and Štore.
Training and employment for adults with disabilities in sheltered workshops and enterprises.
Transport for children, youth and adults with disabilities across the whole country, with headquarters in service centers.
Counseling and educational service for children and their parents, youth and adults with disabilities.
Education, supervision and counseling in schools for teachers and assistants who are responsible for the integration of children with special needs.
Sensitization for inclusion in kindergartens and schools.
Rehabilitation, therapy and vacation programmes for children and their parents, youth and adults with disabilities.
Informational system and publishing activities: The PET magazine, a quarterly newsletter called "Sončnik" and leaflets (giving general or specific subject information, brochures etc.), distributed to notice stands in post offices and clinics.
Library with books, journals and videos.
