Between 21–27 February 2026, the city of Iași, Romania became a meeting point for 3 dedicated participants from Poland who joined the international mobility project “Circle of Care: Parenting Special Journeys.”
This meaningful initiative brought together parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and educators who work closely with families, creating a supportive environment where participants could exchange experiences, learn new approaches, and strengthen their capacity to support children with special needs. Over the course of an intensive week, participants embarked on a shared journey of learning, collaboration, and empowerment, focusing on practical tools, emotional resilience, and community support.
The project created a safe and inclusive space where parents and educators could openly discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with raising and supporting children with ASD. Through structured activities, discussions, and workshops, the participants developed stronger networks of solidarity while gaining valuable insights into inclusive parenting strategies and educational practices.
Project Preparation and Organization
The mobility was implemented in cooperation with SKILLHUBE, a partner organization experienced in supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. Together, the partners carefully designed a comprehensive program consisting of seven structured project activities that took place throughout the week.
Extensive preparation took place prior to the mobility in order to ensure that the learning experience would be both meaningful and well organized. Several online coordination meetings were held between the partner institutions to plan the implementation details and align expectations.
During these meetings, the partners jointly determined:
- The detailed daily agenda for the training week
- The learning objectives and expected outcomes for participants
- The distribution of responsibilities between partner organizations
- The materials, resources, and digital tools required for each learning session
Following the selection of participants, a dedicated project management team was established within the host organization to guarantee smooth implementation and high-quality learning outcomes. This team was responsible for coordinating logistics, facilitating communication, supporting participants, and ensuring that all activities were delivered effectively throughout the mobility
This balanced composition allowed participants to benefit from both lived experience and professional expertise, creating a dynamic environment for dialogue, peer learning, and mutual understanding.
All selected participants signed formal participation agreements before the mobility began. These agreements outlined:
- Their responsibilities during the training mobility
- The requirement for active participation in all learning activities
- Their commitment to disseminate the knowledge and experience gained during the project after returning to Poland
- Respect for ethical guidelines and confidentiality principles, particularly when discussing sensitive family experiences related to ASD
Building a Community of Support
Beyond the formal learning activities, the project fostered a powerful sense of community and shared understanding. Participants were encouraged to exchange personal experiences, reflect on the emotional aspects of parenting and caregiving, and build connections that extend beyond the duration of the project.
Through this collaborative experience, “Circle of Care: Parenting Special Journeys” contributed to strengthening the capacity of parents and educators to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, while also reinforcing the importance of international cooperation, empathy, and inclusive education practices.
The mobility in Iași demonstrated how shared knowledge, mutual support, and intercultural exchange can empower families and professionals alike, helping them navigate the unique journeys of parenting and supporting children with special needs.
