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Project:

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Nature&Disabilities: Gamification, forest therapy, and green skills – new nature-based learning approaches for empowering adults with physical and mental disabilities

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Basic Information:

• Name of Programme: Erasmus+

• Type of Action: KA210-ADU – Small-scale partnerships in the field of general adult education

• Project duration: 14 months (1 October 2025 – 30 November 2026)

• Project grant: 60.000 EUR (lump sum)

• Countries:: Slovenia, Croatia

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Applicant organization:​

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​Social Chamber of Slovenia, Ukmarjeva ulica 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia – project coordinator

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Partnership:​

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1. Ideje, koncepti in zgodbe, Vojka Žgavec Clemenz s.p. (Slovenia) - author of the project’s conceptual framework and partnership; lead researcher and project activities leader; implementer/co-implementer and moderator/co-moderator of educational activities; and materials developer. Experts in the field of gamification and green skills.

2. Snaga Šume (Croatia) - experts in forest therapy and nature-based work.

3. Varstveno delovni center Vrhnika – Idrija (Slovenia) - an organization with remarkable experience in training and workshop implementation for adults with physical and mental disabilities

4. Udruga osoba s intelektualnim teškoćama Istre (Croatia) - partner for introducing approaches into Croatian practices; conducting workshops for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities

 

Short project description:​​

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The Nature&Disabilities project introduces three innovative approaches to nature-based learning: gamification, forest therapy, and the development of green skills to empower adults with special needs (AWSN). The project aims to improve their skills, well-being, and self-image while strengthening the competencies of the educators who work with them. The project brings together organizations from Slovenia and Croatia and transfers best practices across the sectors of adult education, social care, and innovative nature-based learning.​

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The project includes direct work with AWSN, training for formal and non-formal educators, national research in both countries, and the development of a publicly accessible e-handbook on new nature-based learning approaches.

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Project activities:

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1. Two national surveys on adult education for people with special needs: The survey systematically analyzes the current state of needs and challenges in the field of adult education for people with special needs. The results will serve as a professional foundation for the further development of new teaching approaches within the project. The research will highlight differences and similarities in educational practices and the use of innovative methods in adult education for people with special needs. The data will enable a comparative analysis between the two countries and the formulation of joint recommendations.

 

2. Outdoor Workshop for Adults with Special Needs in Slovenia: Adults with special needs will participate in activities that utilize new teaching approaches, with an emphasis on gamification, green skills, and elements of forest therapy in an adapted natural environment. The workshop improves their social, cognitive, and motor skills and strengthens their connection with nature.

 

3. Outdoor workshop for adults with special needs in Croatia: With the support of experts, participants will take part in activities conducted using green learning methods, gamification, sensory activities, and group work methods. The activity enhances their well-being, motivation, and sense of inclusion.

 

4. Transnational workshop/seminar for educators (in-person): Educators from both countries will be briefed on the findings and results of the project activities (sharing experiences from outdoor workshops with OOPP, results of national surveys). The activities carried out will be presented, along with recommendations and practical guidance. The workshop facilitates knowledge exchange, networking, and the strengthening of professionals’ competencies.

 

5. Development of an E-guide on new learning approaches in nature: The guide will contain recommendations and examples of how to implement gamification, green skills, and forest therapy with people with special needs. It is intended for formal and non-formal educators, organizations, and anyone working with adults with special needs.

 

6. Transnational online seminar for educators (online): The online seminar expands access to training and offers in-depth content on new learning approaches. It enables the inclusion of additional educators who are unable to attend the live event.

 

7. Dissemination and promotion of the project: Activities include informing the professional and general public, decision-makers, and society at large about project activities, results, and good practices. Dissemination will take place through the online channels of the coordinator and partner organizations, the Erasmus+ platform, publications (handbook, article), educational and promotional activities, the media, and partner networks (mailing lists).

 

8. Project Coordination and Management: Ensures effective management, communication among partners, and monitoring of progress on project tasks. This activity includes organizing meetings, providing guidance, handling administrative tasks, reporting, and ensuring the quality of results.

 

Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the national agency Cmepius. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.