SDIT is a three-year project that aims to promote the self-determination and inclusion of autistic people through theatre. The main objective is to design and implement an innovative adult education course addressed to professionals in the performative sector. This course will equip them to facilitate the participation of autistic youth and adults in theatre companies.
About SDIT
Participation in Cultural Life, Recreation, Leisure And Sport is a right enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Culture is a powerful vehicle to foster the inclusion of autistic people in society. Among various cultural activities, theatre stands out as a means to provide psychological, intellectual, social, motor, cognitive, and physical stimulation that enhances the quality of life and inclusion of autistic people.
SDIT builds on an existing pilot program involving autistic people carried out by Teatro da Vila, in Portugal, in partnership with the Association Inovar Autismo. Coordinated by ISCTE, University Institute of Lisbon – the SDIT project aims to further develop and test this innovative approach at the European level.
SDIT Goals
In practice, the project aims at:
- Encouraging increased participation of autistic people in theatre companies.
- Training collaborators in the artistic and performative sector in Spain, Portugal, and Italy through a course to ensure the acquisition of skills for the full inclusion and support of autistic youth and adults in their theatre groups’ activities.
- Developing a “European Handbook on Inclusion through Theatre” to be freely accessible online.
SDIT partners include:
- ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon (Portugal) – Coordinator
- ATKV Associação Teatro da Vila (Portugal)
- AUTISME-EUROPE AISBL (Belgium)
- Asociación Autismo Sevilla (Spain)
- Inovar Autismo – Associação de Cidadania e Inclusão (Portugal)
- Associazione Diversamente ONLUS (Italy)
More about the Erasmus+ Programme
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life.