Journey to Inclusion: Experiencing Aidemar's Special Education in San Javier
As part of our Mobility to different organizations and associations in and around Cartagena, the team today visited Aidemar, a non-profit organization based in San Javier, Murcia Region, that was started by a few families keen on helping children with disabilities in 1982 and since then has been providing Health, Skilling, Employment and Social Integration Services for People with Disabilities.
Official Website: https://aidemar.com/
The association, with CIF G-30048920, has a national scope of action since it provides services in more than one Autonomous Community, Region of Murcia and Valencian Community. With enormous effort, the Aidemar Association has become a reference resource in terms of care for people with disabilities in its geographical area. We visited three important centres of Aidemar and learned a number of aspects important for our Research towards Equity, Inclusivity, and Sustainable Learning.
· Centro Concertado de Educación Especial (ccee)
Concerted Special Education Center
· Centro de Día San Javier (cda)
San Javier Day Centre
· Centro de Desarrollo Infantil y Atención Temprana (cdiat)
Child Development and Early Care Center
We met with Mr. Rafael Hernández Arnaiz at the UPCT Rectorate at 7:30 am and together left on foot for the Estacion Autobuses. We took the Alsa bus to San Javier at 8:10 am, reached at around 9:15 am, and then walked to eventually arrive at aidemar-ccee at around 9:30 am. There, we were met by Ms. Eva Martínez García, Project Manager for eUT+ at UPCT, who acted as the translator for the entire duration of our visit to Aidemar.
aidemar-ccee
This facility is a specialized centre that caters to children aged 0 to 16 with unique needs, providing them with a customized curriculum. It boasts 27 classrooms, each equipped with smartboards, specialized seating, whiteboards, and interactive wall displays. These vibrant classrooms are also adorned with colourful decorations, games, & pictures, creating an engaging learning environment. In addition, children participate in various activities & have access to a well-stocked library.
The centre includes a sensory stimulation room designed to heighten children’s awareness of their bodies and senses through heat and light fixtures. Outdoor games and activities are also offered. A separate communication classroom helps students enhance their communication skills. Teachers customize internet-based games to meet individual student needs, and there are plans to introduce eye-based communication technology.
On average, the facility accommodates 95-200 children for therapy. Each classroom is well-equipped with smartboards and interactive tools, and the classrooms are designed with vibrant colours and wall decorations. Every child receives individualized attention from teachers who hold master’s degrees in special needs studies.
Additionally, the facility employs physiotherapists who maintain regular communication with hospital doctors, sharing ward reports and keeping parents informed to enhance their children’s care. Furthermore, there are three psychiatrists available for consultations with parents regarding their children’s well-being.
Aidemar’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. They’ve established various centres tailored to diverse needs, focusing on the seamless integration of people with disabilities into daily life.
Their strong familial ties ensure a well-structured service offering that aligns closely with users’ needs. Aidemar directs, coordinates, and advances comprehensive disability care and support. They also provide information and solutions for disability-related issues.
For individuals linked to Aidemar facing disability-related challenges, the organization collaborates on solutions. Aidemar also promotes employment opportunities for individuals, both with and without disabilities, through Employment Centers.
Aidemar’s unwavering commitment has made it a leading resource for disability care in its region. By connecting these points, we emphasize the importance of tailored education for differently-abled children, the role of experts and mentors, accessible environments, measuring progress, and embracing technology for their benefit.