The Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO) is hosting a talk by the association AMPROS aimed at students of the degree in Sport and Exercise Science (CAFYD). The objective is to raise awareness of the entities and job opportunities that exist in the area, as well as the importance of participating directly and indirectly in them.
During the talk, Néstor Velarde, coordinator of Vida Independiente (Independent Living) in AMPROS, shared his experience of 15 years working in the association and its work in relation to the support of people with intellectual disabilities. He also stressed the importance of conveying the real message about what it means to live with a disability.
AMPROS is a reference entity in Cantabria dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The association offers a wide range of services, from special employment centers to leisure activities and personal enrichment programs. Its objective is to enable people to improve their quality of life through the support they receive.
During the talk, it was explained that intellectual disability is characterized by a significant limitation in intellectual functioning, manifested before the age of 22. In addition, these individuals also often face difficulties in adaptive behavior, i.e., in the skills needed to function in society.
The association has stressed the importance of providing support and adaptations so that people with intellectual disabilities can better integrate into society. “Disability is not fixed or absolute.” Each person with a disability has his or her own desires and aspirations in different areas such as education, employment, leisure, housing, among others.
The talk also included the participation of Jacinta García, one of the veterans of AMPROS, who shared her experience and highlighted the importance of respecting the tastes and wishes of people with disabilities. The eight dimensions of quality of life that they promote were also discussed: material, emotional, physical well-being, self-determination, interpersonal relationships, personal development, social inclusion, and rights.
On the other hand, Laura Gutiérrez and Alma Cuesta explained the AMPROS leisure service that aims to promote the participation of people with disabilities in cultural, sports, and leisure activities on equal terms with the rest of the people. We are committed to inclusive leisure, understanding that it must be accessible and be in the street, just like any other person’s leisure.
In relation to the above, they emphasized that adaptive sports, inclusive sports, and Paralympic sports are not equivalent concepts. The first refers to the practice of sports by people with disabilities who require specific adaptations to participate. The second seeks the integration of all people, with or without disabilities, in the same sports activities. While Paralympic sport focuses on high-level sport competition for athletes with disabilities.
AMPROS’ visit to UNEATLANTICO has been an opportunity for students to learn about the work and values of this reference entity in the field of intellectual disabilities.