DIVERSABILITY CIRCUS
Adapting circus activities for young people with diversabilities.
DiversAbility Circus was a collaborative Erasmus+ project that explored how circus pedagogy can become more accessible and inclusive for young people with diversabilities. Together with partners from across Europe, we contributed to the development of educational methods, practical tools and training resources that help educators adapt circus activities to different needs and abilities.
The project was built on a simple belief: everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of learning, creating and growing through circus. By combining expertise in youth work, inclusive education and circus pedagogy, DiversAbility Circus sought to remove barriers to participation and encourage learning environments where diversity is welcomed as a strength rather than a limitation.
DiversAbility Circus
DiversAbility Circus was a project dedicated to fostering inclusion and empowerment for disabled youngsters through the innovative use of circus pedagogy. The project united educators, circus trainers, and experts in disability studies from across Europe to create a space where youngsters with disabilities can engage in creative, physical, and social activities—activities from which they are often excluded.
Inspired by a successful experience teaching circus skills to a blind participant, the project focused on breaking down barriers to inclusion in education. It addressed three main challenges faced by disabled youngsters: pedagogical, material, and social obstacles. By developing adaptable methods, tools, and training programs, we aimed to create a more inclusive environment for these individuals in non-formal education settings, specifically through circus arts.
Project Objectives:
- Empowering Educators: We wanted to provide educators with innovative tools, training, and resources to help them adapt circus activities for disabled youngsters, improving their ability to foster inclusivity and diversity.
- Engaging Youngsters with Disabilities: Through circus activities, we wanted to offer disabled participants the opportunity to grow physically, socially, and emotionally, building their confidence and helping them develop vital life skills.
- Fostering Inclusion: By creating flexible and adaptive approaches, we wanted to open new avenues of participation in circus pedagogy for disabled individuals, showing that these creative activities can be for everyone, regardless of ability.
- Innovating Circus Pedagogy: Our project contributed to the growth and innovation of circus pedagogy across Europe, developing new methods that promote inclusion at both local and international levels.
Impact and Vision:
Circus pedagogy is a unique blend of art and physical activity, and it provides a platform for creative expression, teamwork, and personal development. The DiversAbility Circus project seeked to reshape the way we think about inclusion in these fields by demonstrating that everyone, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, has the right to learn and participate. By making circus arts more accessible and inclusive, we aimed to empower disabled youngsters and build a more inclusive society.
TOOLS
CARD GAME
Designed for young people with and without diversabilities, the card game offers a playful way to discover circus disciplines while promoting participation, creativity, and cooperation. Each card introduces a circus exercise, suggests inclusive adaptations, or invites participants to reflect on their learning and experiences.
MANUAL
The DiversAbility Circus Pedagogical Manual has been created to support youth workers, circus educators and social practitioners in using circus pedagogy as an educational tool with, and for young people with disabilities. Its main purpose is to bridge two fields —Disability Care and Circus Pedagogy.
MAP
The map showcases organisations that specialize in inclusive circus education, workshops, performances, and training for both young people and adults. Whether it’s providing specialized circus classes for schools, offering professional training for circus educators, or creating inclusive performances.
PARTNERS
CIRKUS LA BULLE · DRUŠTVO CIK 