This event has ended.
An accessible environment, understandable information and freedom of action – these seem ordinary and mundane things, but what if they are denied?
On the physical and cognitive accessibility of people with mental disorders to the environment when receiving long-term social care, on the support needed and on stereotypes in the provision of long-term care, on the resources, abilities and skills for a better life and services – all in a think tank that brings together different target groups, led by social workers and care professionals.
This event has been developed between AccessibleEU, the State Social Care Centre ‘Zemgale’, the Association of Disabled Persons and their Friends ‘Apeirons’ and the hygiene and health company Essity Latvia.
Details on the event:
- Target audience: Social workers and care professionals. Service providers, representatives from state and municipal institutions, local government representatives, and society representatives interested in the topic.. Students, advocates, and people with disabilities. Industry stakeholders.
- When: Thursday, October 2, 2025
- Where: Hall of State Social care centre ‘Zemgale’, ‘Smiltaini’, Iecava, Bauskas. Latvia
- Format: Hybrid.
- Type of event: Networking
- Language: Latvian
- How to participate: Registration is now closed, but you can join the livestream here
- Accessibility information: Accessible venue. Captioning and sign language interpretation in Latvian
- More information
- inclusion
- Thursday 2 October 2025, 09:00 - 16:00 (EEST)
- Country
- Latvia
Programme
- 2 Oct 2025, 09:00 - 16:00 (EEST)Preliminary agenda
- 9.00 - 9.30 Registration / Welcoming coffee
- 9.30 - 10.00 Opening a think tank / Video on the importance of human autonomy – Mr. I. Balodis, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Disabled People and their Friends ‘APEIRONS’
- 10.00 - 10.10 Address from the Director of the State Social Care Centre ‘Zemgale’ – Mr. K. Keišs
- 10.10 - 10.20 Address from AccessibleEU - Mrs. D. Podzina, AccessibleEU national expert
- 10.20 -10.50 Mental health. The role of diagnosis in the manifestation of human behaviour. Questions/Answers – Consultant-psychiatrist Mrs. A.Masalska
- 10.50 - 11.30 Necessary improvements, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, for services in long-term social care institutions – Ombudsmen of Latvia, Civil and Political Rights Division, Prevention Unit, Head of the Unit Mrs. G.Bruneniece
- 11.30 -12.10 Supported decision making and manifestation in long-term care, human autonomy - Mrs. I. Leimane-Veldmeijere, Executive Director of NGO ‘Zelda’
- 12.10 - 12.45 ‘Stones in my pockets’ Stereotypes about people with mental impairments – Psychologist Mrs.E.Stikane and Pastor Mr. E.Mazis
- 12.45 - 13.30 Coffee/Tea break
- 13.30 - 14.00 Cognitive accessibility – a necessity or a luxury - Mrs.D. Podzina, independent researcher/consultant
- 14.00 - 14.30 Practical solutions for the making of accessible information – Mrs. I. Melnika, Chairwoman of the Easy Language Agency
- 14.30 - 15.15 Options in the care process, novelties of auxiliary devices – Mrs. K. Cakstina – Essity Latvia, ltd, Hygiene and health company
- 15.15 – 15.45 Ensuring autonomy in everyday decision-making for people with mental disorders. Ms Agneska Bartnik (Agnieszka Bartnik), Benzin's care home experience (Poland)
- 15.45 – 16.00 Summary / Closing - Mr. I. Balodis, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Disabled People and their Friends ‘APEIRONS’
Practical information
- When
- Thursday 2 October 2025, 09:00 - 16:00 (EEST)
- Languages
- Latvian