Health promotion program in regular primary school “We Learn to Accept Diversity”

Abstract Background One of the main goals of National Strategy of Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities from 2017 to 2020 is the encouragement of their full participation in education, family and community life. According to Croatian Register of People with Disabilities, 86,274 people wit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of public health 2020-09, Vol.30 (Supplement_5)
Main Authors: Skes, M, Polić-Vižintin, M, Šostar, Z, Hladki, Z
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Children
Children with disabilities
Childrens health
Cities
Community life
Community participation
Disabilities
Disability
Discrimination
Education
Educational systems
Elementary schools
Health education
Health promotion
Knowledge bases (artificial intelligence)
People with disabilities
Prevention
Program implementation
Public health
Schools
Stereotypes
Stigma
Students
Teaching
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Summary:Abstract Background One of the main goals of National Strategy of Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities from 2017 to 2020 is the encouragement of their full participation in education, family and community life. According to Croatian Register of People with Disabilities, 86,274 people with disabilities live in the City of Zagreb in 2019. That accounts for 10.8% of the total population of the city, of which 10.1 % is under the age of 19. In the school year 2019/2020 in 110 regular primary schools, 4,035 children with disability were included. Objectives The aim of this project is to educate students, parents, staff and experts in education system in health literacy skills about the categories of disability types, how to appropriate communicate and support them to realize their opportunities, to reduce of stereotypes regarding children with disabilities, fight against discrimination and stigma. Results Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health in partnership with City office for Social Protection and People with Disabilities carries out the project “We Learn to Accept Diversity” - Creating a Healthier life for Children with Disabilities in elementary school in the City of Zagreb. In the period from 2018 to 2019, a total of 24 health workshops were conducted through which 525 pupils were educated. The results of students’ creative expression are integrated into the educational brochure “How can I help You?”. Conclusions A disabling condition or diagnosis of impairment does not define individuals, their abilities and talents, or health status and health behaviors. The final evaluation with extremely positive reactions of professionals and students in these primary schools, indicated that the program should become an integral part of school prevention programs and implement expend to the other primary schools. Key messages It is important to expand the knowledge base and raise awareness of health determinants for children with disabilities in health promotion activities. Health sector should promote, analysis, advocate and continue educate for healthier lifestyle children with disability, but community and policy are to support and complement the actions.
ISSN:1101-1262
1464-360X
DOI:10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.1137