Experience festival “Special life”

At the festival, through workshops, discussions, and lectures, participants can experience the opportunities for people with special needs to contribute to society.

The focal point of the festival’s lectures, discussions, and activities is the question of how a person with intellectual disabilities could be accepted as a member of society.

The theme of the festival, taking place in Maarja village, helps everyone overcome insecurity regarding people with special needs and understand that a person with disabilities is not just someone in need of assistance, but also a community member willing to contribute.

✳ The first day of the festival on May 3 focuses on vocational training and the labor market under the motto “I work with a special person.” Throughout the day, attendees will hear about the work and study experiences of people with disabilities from their own perspective, and vocational training institutions as well as employers from both near and far will share their perspectives.

✳ The second day of the festival on May 4 is titled “My Neighbor is a Special Person” and focuses on the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in community life. In the first half of the day, residents of Maarja village and other special guests will engage in discussions at Maarja village’s traditional “Speak Your Mind!” conference on the topic of “How does a special person perceive their neighbor.”

Additionally, both days will feature various workshops led by residents of Maarja village. For example, attendees can develop their finger dexterity through carpet weaving or pottery in the clay workshop, go on a village tour, and taste delicious treats at the village residents’ local café.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/SSQ7zmM9kRre5oAy8

The festival is organized by the Maarja Village Foundation in collaboration with the University of Tartu Ethics Center project “Tartu World University.” Tartu World University is part of the main program of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024.

If you want to grab a bite or need a place to stay, see what the Tartu 2024 hospitality network offers in the area: https://tartu2024.ee/recommendations-polva