E-book and audiobook „Mindful Art therapy for youth with Visual Impairments: a methodological guidebook“

Aims of the tool

- Present a collection of good practices in Youth Work with visually impaired youth, in regards to the development of their skills and competences and their inclusion in youth work activities;
- Present the results of research on the status, opportunities and obstacles in including visually impaired youth in youth working activities and NFE programmes;
- Present a chapter on innovative and creative NFE activities based on mindfulness art therapy that aim to engage, empower and connect youth with disabilities with their peers, which was previously piloted in 3 partner countries
- Inspire with innovative practices and modern and important topics such as mindfulness and art therapy.

Description of the tool

The Erasmus+ project Cooperation for social inclusion of the visually impaired youth through mindful art therapy (CSI mart) has for its main result the open source resource developed in an e-book format available in English, Croatian, Greek and Italian languages (https://erasmus-art-therapy.udrugaslijepih.hr/results/). The OER has been envisioned as a methodological guidebook aimed at youth practicioners and youth organizations that work with young people with visual impairments, but can also be used in work with persons with other types of disabilities. The guidebook in an e-book and audio format presents an innovative youth work approach that combines art therapy and mindfulness philosophy with non-formal learning methodologies. This project result provides new opportunities for personal development of young people with visual impairments across the EU.
The guidebook consists of the following elements:
- results of the partners research regarding youth work with youth with visually impaired youth and other youth with similar disabilities in Greece, Croatia and Italy
- analysis of the research done by partners regarding visually impaired youth from Europe
- scientific research results regarding the art therapy methodology in youth work
- Scientific research results regarding mindfulness philosophy and mindfulness art therapy
- Established good practices from the partners on the project
- innovative examples of NFE activities, tools and resources specifically designed for working with youth with impaired vision, youth with physical disabilities and youth with learning disorders
- references to relevant scientific bibliography

Expected outcomes:
- get to know the innovative activities adapted for youth with disabilities with the aim to include them in your youth work;
Get familiarized with the art therapy methodology in youth work
Get familiarized with mindfulness philosophy and mindfulness art therapy
- Get inspired and learn from good practices from the partners on the CSI mart project
- Get familiarzed and aware of the needs and opportunities for visually imapired persons;
- Get to know the available research regarding youth work with youth with visually impaired youth and other youth with similar disabilities in Greece, Croatia and Italy
- Be more aware about equal opportunities for all and our duty as youth workers to ensure them for all.