Handbook for development methodology of disabled young people

Aims of the tool

The objective of the HyppArTherapy – Upgraded handbook is to support the mental well-being and holistic development of young people with disabilities through accessible, experience-based and inclusive methodologies. The handbook aims to provide professionals with practical frameworks that promote emotional regulation, self-expression, social connection and a sense of competence.

It seeks to integrate arts, music, movement, nature-based and animal-assisted approaches in a flexible way, allowing adaptation to different abilities, settings and cultural contexts. A further objective is to strengthen inclusive and mental health-oriented practices among youth workers, educators and therapists working with diverse groups of young people.

Description of the tool

HyppArTherapy – Upgraded is a methodological handbook developed in international cooperation between organisations from Hungary, Serbia and Romania, with the support of the Erasmus+ programme. The handbook focuses on the mental well-being and holistic development of young people with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties and mental health challenges.

The publication presents a multimodal, experience-based approach that integrates arts and crafts, music, movement, nature-based activities and animal-assisted elements. Rather than providing rigid protocols, the handbook offers adaptable methodological frameworks that support emotional regulation, self-expression, social connection and a sense of competence.

The handbook is intended for youth workers, educators, therapists and professionals working in inclusive and mental health-oriented settings. It aims to support accessible, non-verbal and relationship-based practices that can be flexibly applied in different institutional and cultural contexts.