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Organization	El Arca en Queretaro IAP
Region	Mexico
Website	Website
Facebook	Facebook
Twitter	N/A
ProjectLeader	Mireille Kheirallah

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El Arca en Queretaro, welcomes 25 adults with intellectual disabilities, focusing on identifying each one's personal gifts. The staff stimulates creativity in activities such as painting, carpentry, dance, handicrafts, and baking. Respect and empathy foment emerging abilities and meaningful relationships. Mexican folk art has lead the beneficiaries toward greater self-confidence, alternate ways of expressing themselves, increased productivity, social recognition and inclusion.

Challenge

Significant barriers, isolation and discrimination characterize the life of persons with intellectual disabilities in Mexico. Combined with low socio-economic conditions, the persons have little chance to strive and develop their potential. Moreover, there is a scarcity of environments that welcome the inclusion of persons with disabilities. This project offers adults from all socio-economic strata a safe environment to learn and practice new skills and discover their own gifts.

Long-Term Impact

The project works with 25 persons with intellectual disability, to help them overcome the effects of exclusion and discrimination. Their gifts and productivity will be made visible through sales and art exhibits. The project also prepares them to enter the conventional workforce, reaffirming their human rights. By challenging their exclusion and creating new paradigms for their role in society, we begin to create a more empathetic and inclusive society that welcomes their participation.