A seminar for families of children and young people with disabilities held in Riga

On Saturday, 18 April, at the NGO House in Riga, a seminar organised by Latvian Children with Motor Disabilities was held for families of children and young people with disabilities.

The seminar took place in a curious, welcoming and open atmosphere, where parents, specialists and representatives of the association could meet, ask questions, share experiences and jointly discuss the support issues that matter to families.

🔹 Project "Provision of community-based social services for children with motor disabilities and their families IV", funding contract No. 4.3.5.1/4/25/A/016

Ilze Kenne, Chair of the association's Board, presented the project's goals, activities and support opportunities for children with motor disabilities and their families to the participants.

The discussion highlighted the importance of community-based social services in ensuring that families receive practical, clear support that meets their needs.

As part of the information about this project, participants also heard a lecture by paediatric neurologist Dr. Norīte Lapsiņa on functional impairments from a paediatric neurologist's perspective.

🔹 Project "Social support programme for families of children with functional impairments"

Physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor Dr. med. Zane Gaile shared her knowledge of rehabilitation for children with musculoskeletal disorders. The lecture covered the key aspects of the rehabilitation process, the assessment of a child's needs and the importance of cooperation between specialists in supporting the family's daily life.

🔹 Project "Holistic — providing comprehensive support services to children with motor disabilities to reduce the risks and consequences of emotional abuse", funding contract No. 4.3.6.4./2/24/A/002

In the context of this project, Ilze Kenne presented the results of the survey "Identifying and recognising emotional abuse" to the participants.

Next, Laila Balode, a representative of the "Dardedze" centre, gave a lecture on emotional wellbeing, safety and respect in relationships, and explained the "traffic light" principles of children's sexual behaviour. The talk covered how to recognise situations in which a child needs support, how to create a safe environment and how to strengthen mutual trust between children, parents and specialists.

Thank you to all the lecturers for their professional contribution, to the parents for their active participation, questions and trust, and to the specialists for their willingness to share knowledge and cooperate.

Special thanks to our volunteers for their help in running the seminar, welcoming participants, providing practical support and creating a warm atmosphere.