La Casa de Carlota, a design studio that promotes diversity and inclusion

admin on 19 July 2018

Design studio that promotes the employment inclusion of people with Down syndrome and autism, and young people

Unlike other initiatives, La Casa de Carlota it is not an occupational center or an aid service, but an art company that seeks to incorporate diverse profiles in order to explore creativity without limitations. In the different projects, professional designers, students from design schools, illustrators, and creatives participate, as well as people with diverse abilities. The members define themselves as “creative activists”.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Disability, Fully inclusive cities, Innovative organization, Lab, Link with the community, New model of intervention, Personalization of the service, User empowerment

Location

Barcelona, Medellín, Sevilla and Lima

Partners / Funders

—

Genesis

The studio was founded in 2013 in Barcelona by José María Batalla, along with other partners from the advertising and social sectors. The name originates from the daughter of one of the founders, who has Down syndrome.

Implementation level

La Casa de Carlota is the first Spanish company to obtain the B Corp certification, which accredits that an entity complies with high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Additionally, the project has received numerous recognitions for its innovative character such as the LAUS Gold Award, the European Design Award, and the City of Barcelona Award. Moreover, in 2018 they were invited to explain their business model at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

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App&Town Compagnon, people with disability can travel independently on public transport

admin on 19 July 2018

Foto: Unsplash

The technological company Mass Factory in collaboration with the Foundation AMPANS and the Foundation Saint Pere Claver has developed App&Town Compagnon, a transport-assisted system for people with intellectual disability, mental illness, or memory dysfunctions, that allows them to safely use public transportation, with precise guidance provided by a mobile app, and continuous monitoring by means of a Web App in the cloud. App&Town Compagnon conforms to the Smart City Concept, improvement citizens’ quality of life through use of technology.

App&Town Compagnon is a customized transport assisted system which is adaptable to the abilities of each user. The system includes: route-planning, guidance, and remote monitoring. App&Town Compagnon is a tool that improves social inclusion, mobility, and self-esteem of its users.

In 2018 Apps&Town Compagnon won the Technology Innovation Red Cross Humanitarian Award.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Disability, Fully inclusive cities, Independent living, Lab, Link with the community, New service, New technological tool, Personalization of the service, User empowerment

Location

Bages Region, Barcelona, Madrid (Spain); Laval and Longueuil (Canada)

Partners / Funders

Fundació Sant Pere Claver, Fundació ONCE, STL, Smart Columbus

Genesis

Mass Factory, a spin-off of “Universitat autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)”, was founded in 2012 as a result of project developed by eight Computer Engineering students under the direction of Prof. Jordi Roig. The mobile app which was developed “OnTheBus”, now called “App&Town Going with you”, is the first commercial product of the company.

The original “OnTheBus”, is a free app for Android that allows planning urban routes, either by walking or by bus and has two distinctive characteristics:

Universal Design that facilitates its use by most of the people
An extremely precise navigational algorithm which may be used by persons with visual disability

Implementation level

In Bages Region (Spain) there are 17 intellectually impaired users
In Barcelona there are more than 50 users that include, intellectually or visually impaired people, people with mental disorders as well as senior citizens with memory deficiencies
In Madrid there are 10 users with Down syndrome
In Laval and Longueil, Canada, there are 70 users with intellectual impairment and developmental disorders

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Street Soccer Barcelona, a socio-sports project for homeless people

admin on 17 July 2018

A socio-sports project aimed at homeless people and those in social exclusion

The Street Soccer Barcelona program offers football training, a small meal before or after training sessions, and a hygiene and shower space. Morning training sessions are adapted and non-competitive, integrating sports and a space of trust through speaking and listening, where attendees can safely share the difficulties they face daily.

The project also offers the possibility to play in the Consell Escolar League (CEEB), a mixed team of volunteers that competes with other local groups. Additionally, annual immersive stays are organized in groups of 2 to 30 people over four days, aiming to establish deeper bonds and promote integration.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Fully inclusive cities, Group intervention, Homelessness and the right to housing, Lab, Link with the community, New model of intervention, Poverty and exclusion, Prediction and prevention, User empowerment

Localization

Barcelona, Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Barcelona City Council, Accem, Progress, Caspar Foundation, Barcelona Provincial Council, La Caixa Foundation’s Social Work, CEEB, Catalan Football Foundation, INEFC, CeleBreak, TNDM, Ergasia, Ametller Origen, Consum, Turris.

Genesis

Street Soccer Barcelona was created in 2018 and is inspired by the Belgian model.

Level of implementation

According to 2022 data, the organization records 2,658 attendances, with 174 athletes participating in the project, coming from 39 different nationalities. Additionally, through charity tournaments, the organization has raised over 23,000 euros.

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Baix Llobregat Mental Health, housing for people with psychological difficulties

admin on 17 July 2018

Experimental social housing program to provide accommodation for people with mental health problems

This project, driven by the Habitat 3 Foundation, the Mariano Foundation, and the Cassià Just Foundation, aims to empower and give autonomy to people with mental health difficulties through housing.

Users receive support and assistance in their processes of labor and community integration, always with the purpose of enhancing maximum residential independence.

The program is personalized and integrated with other services, entities, and administrations. It has a reference figure responsible for monitoring the case and ensuring good coordination.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Homelessness and the right to housing, Independent living, Lab, Link with the community, Mental health, New service, Poverty and exclusion

Location

Baix Llobregat, Catalonia

Partners / Funders

La Caixa Foundation, Table of Entities of the Third Social Sector of Catalonia, Housing Agency of Catalonia, City Council of El Prat de Llobregat, Baix Llobregat Regional Committee.

Genesis

The project originated from a proposal by a working group of organizations working on mental health issues at the Baix Llobregat Regional Studies Center. Based on this idea, the organizing entities decided to carry out the program.

Implementation level

During the first year of the project, four rental contracts were obtained. One in Gavà, two in El Prat del Llobregat, and the other in Sant Boi de Llobregat. The feedback from the users was very positive.

The initiative was awarded by La Caixa Foundation with a special mention in the 2017 Social Innovation Awards. Additionally, a collaboration agreement was signed with the Baix Llobregat Regional Council.

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RefAid, an app for refugees arriving in Europe

admin on 17 July 2018

Application aimed at migrants and refugees arriving in Europe every day so they can identify the services they can access

RefAid is a mobile application that shows migrants, refugees, and accompanying social workers which nearby services they can access, on a map with a simple interface.

The platform ensures that the information and location of the users is completely confidential, it is not stored, and it is not shared with any authority or police force.

The organizations that appear on the map are trustworthy and verified. The search includes filters for themes such as food, shelter, bathrooms, and information.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Fully inclusive cities, Immigration, Lab, Link with the community, New service, New technological tool, Process simplification, Self-management and participation, User empowerment

Location

United States

Partners / Funders:

—

Genesis

RefAid was created in September 2015 by entrepreneur Shelley Taylor, after seeing the shocking image of the body of a three-year-old Syrian child drowned on the coast of Ali Hoca Buruna (Turkey). In this context, Taylor developed the application in just one weekend.

Implementation level

RefAid is being used in 50 countries by 8,000 non-profit organizations, aid organizations, and governmental entities. A large number of leading organizations in the care of migrants and refugees use the application. For example, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, Caritas, and the Red Cross.

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Noves Oportunitats, educational center for training and job placement for youth

admin on 17 July 2018

Model of accompaniment and guidance that combines quality and qualified training and work to combat educational dropout

The Educational Center Noves Oportunitats advocates for extended, comprehensive, and personalized training pathways. Thus, it guides and accompanies young people towards adulthood by promoting their return to the educational system and access to professional qualification. The program offers tailored itineraries for each individual. Youth can choose from various training offerings, ranging from a flexible adapted ESO (Obligatory Secondary Education) to a certified Level 2 Vocational Training.

The program consists of three phases. The first corresponds to Initial Qualified and Specialized Vocational Training (Levels 1 and 2). Secondly, young people have access to training grants for internships in different workplaces. Finally, the Noves Oportunitats Educational Center offers the Youth Services area. This last phase is designed to extend professional training while guaranteeing real work experience through companies with social economy models.

Beyond promoting education and work experience, the center guides and accompanies young people through personal meeting spaces where, jointly, their professional future is constructed. Students acquire transversal competencies such as learning ability, teamwork, and responsibility.

Characteristics of innovation

Adolescence and youth, Bank of innovations, Group intervention, Innovative organization, Integrated care, Lab, Link with the community, Proximity care, User empowerment

Location

Counties of Baix Llobregat and Barcelonès, Catalonia

Partners / Funders

The Government of Catalonia, the City Councils of Cornellà del Llobregat and L’Hospitalet, the Barcelona Provincial Council, the Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC), and the European Union (UE).

Genesis

The organization El Llindar was established in December 2004 with the Aula Taller project, an alternative space to accommodate and educate adolescents and young people excluded from the formal education system. Later, in line with this initiative, it also created the Noves Oportunitats Educational Center.

Implementation level

Since 2004, it has supported more than 4,800 adolescents and young people from Baix Llobregat and Barcelonès Sud. In parallel, El Llindar contributes to fostering a continuous dialogue between public and private entities.

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Housing and accompaniment services for people with intellectual disabilities

admin on 17 July 2018

Individual housing and support for people with intellectual disabilities

The Esment Foundation promotes individual housing for people with intellectual disabilities, for which a common support program is established. This program is adapted to their needs, preferences, and life stage, while also being coordinated with the person’s personal network and various professional services. Each case is supervised by a designated technician.

Furthermore, to promote autonomy, support is provided to the individual in daily life activities such as personal hygiene, housing, nutrition, shopping, and financial management. The spaces are calm and pleasant, and the specialized team ensures the person’s well-being.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Disability, Independent living, Lab, Link with the community, New service, Right of choice of the user, User empowerment

Location

Catalonia

Partners / Funders

—

Genesis

The Esment Foundation was founded in 1962 and aims for people with intellectual disabilities and their families to enjoy their lives, advocating for the protection and rights of individuals, such as the right to a dignified image, employment, housing, among others.

Implementation level

—

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IPS Methodology for the employment insertion of young people with mental disorders

admin on 17 July 2018

Pioneering methodology for employment insertion specialized in intervention with the mental health collective

The IPS methodology considers both training and job placement as part of the person’s recovery process from the very beginning. The traditional approach introduced this aspect at the end of clinical intervention with the youth. The new system prevents chronicity, facilitates recovery, and increases work motivation.

Weekly face-to-face contact between clinical professionals and job placement professionals allows for the creation of a climate of trust. In this way, workers from different fields work towards the same goal for the youth.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Adolescence and youth, Group intervention, Integrated care, Lab, Link with the community, Mental health, New model of intervention, Pilot project, Prediction and prevention, Proximity care, User empowerment

Location

Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Salut Mental 9 Barris Association, 9 Barris Foundation, Civic Center Espai Jove Les Basses

Genesis

The IPS methodology was created in the United States. In 2014, it arrived in Catalonia to be applied to adults with mental health disorders. In 2015, the Joia Foundation decided to transfer the methodology to the youth population, which was heavily affected by the economic crisis that began in 2008. The pilot test in Catalonia lasted two years and was implemented in Nou Barris, the district with the highest unemployment and poverty rates in Barcelona. It had the support of the Mental Health Association 9 Barris and the 9 Barris Foundation. The location was the Civic Center Espai Jove Les Basses, a community space with extensive experience in job placement and mental health.

Implementation level

During the two years of the pilot test, 120 young people between the ages of 16 and 35 with various mental disorders were attended to. 54% successfully completed the process with quality employment contracts (lasting more than six months or indefinite). Additionally, 30% decided to pursue further education or training. The successes of the trial allowed the project to be consolidated into the Itínere Joves service, which is included among the six types of programs offered by the Joia Foundation in Barcelona and its metropolitan area.

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Radars, risk situation prevention network for the elderly

admin on 16 July 2018

Network of prevention and community action aimed at reducing the risk of isolation and social exclusion of elderly people

The Radars project helps to detect, assess, and monitor the situation of elderly people. In this way, it enables elderly individuals living alone to continue in their homes with the support of their surroundings.

Neighborhood and commercial radars are individuals who, with a respectful approach, offer support and communicate risk situations to professional services.

The project combines the active role of Social Services with the shared responsibility of neighborhood entities and services. All of this is based on a community approach that allows the development of shared processes for the detection and connection of elderly people to the community network in their neighborhood.

Characteristics of innovation

Bank of innovations, Aging, Fully inclusive cities, Information and planning, Lab, Link with the community, New service, New technological tool, Prediction and prevention, Proximity care, Self-management and participation

Location

Barcelona, Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Municipal Institute of Social Services of Barcelona (Barcelona City Council)

Genesis

The Radars project was born in 2008 in the Camp d’en Grassot neighborhood (Gràcia). Faced with the detection, by Social Services, of cases of elderly people living alone or with limited support networks, it was decided to carry out a diagnosis of the situation and needs of this group.

Implementation level

The initiative began to be implemented citywide in 2012, specifically in 15 neighborhoods, and by 2017 it had expanded to 35. In 2022, it was introduced in the Barceloneta and Parc Vila Olímpica areas. Currently, there are inquiries to transfer it to other locations in Catalonia and Spain. The practice has had an impact on the target group, the territorial environment, and the functioning of the responsible organization.

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Èpica i Singular, a new employment experience for at-risk youth

admin on 16 July 2018

Program for accompanying young people seeking employment through scenic creation

The Épica y Singular initiative is aimed at individuals aged 18 to 29 enrolled in the Youth Guarantee Program. The program provides young people with professional skills and competencies through the creation of a scenic and artistic project, led by the theater company La Fura dels Baus and other professionals.

In this way, in a more attractive and different manner, they can acquire knowledge of audiovisual and construction techniques related to the show (vertical work, assembly of structures and scaffolding, etc.). Through this program, young people can obtain professional certificates and licenses.

The project also includes guidance and counseling in job search and agreements with companies for internships and hiring. Practical training is paid at €300. Additionally, it offers a range of resources to facilitate the launch of entrepreneurial projects and self-employment in various sectors.

Characteristics of innovation

Adolescence and youth, Bank of innovations, Group intervention, Lab, Link with the community, Pilot project, Poverty and exclusion, User empowerment

Location

Badalona, Catalonia

Partners / Funders

Government of Catalonia, European Community

Genesis

Épica y Singular was born between the years 2016 and 2017 through an agreement between the theatrical company La Fura dels Baus, the City Council of Badalona, and the Labor Foundation of Construction (FLC).

Implementation level

After the first edition, in 2019, the Èpica i Singular 2.0 program was created, which concluded with a final scenic display focused on transhumanism.

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La Casa de Carlota, a design studio that promotes diversity and inclusion

1000Friends

Characteristics of innovation

Location

Partners / Funders

Genesis

Implementation level

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App&Town Compagnon, people with disability can travel independently on public transport

AMPANS and Mass Factory

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Location

Partners / Funders

Genesis

Implementation level

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Street Soccer Barcelona, a socio-sports project for homeless people

Street Soccer Barcelona Associació

Characteristics of innovation

Localization

Partners / Funders

Genesis

Level of implementation

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Baix Llobregat Mental Health, housing for people with psychological difficulties

Fundació Hàbitat3, Fundació Marianao, Fundació Cassià Just

Characteristics of innovation

Location

Partners / Funders

Genesis

Implementation level

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RefAid, an app for refugees arriving in Europe

Trellyz

Characteristics of innovation

Location

Partners / Funders:

Genesis

Implementation level

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Noves Oportunitats, educational center for training and job placement for youth

Fundació El Llindar

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Genesis

Implementation level

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Housing and accompaniment services for people with intellectual disabilities

Fundació Esment

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Genesis

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IPS Methodology for the employment insertion of young people with mental disorders

Fundació Joia

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Location

Partners / Funders

Genesis

Implementation level

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Radars, risk situation prevention network for the elderly

Ajuntament de Barcelona

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Genesis

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