About the project
Starting in September 2024, the "Compass" project runs until August 2026. This two-year Erasmus+ initiative focuses on empowering families and advocates of autistic individuals by providing them with the tools and knowledge to navigate legal frameworks and access critical services.
With an estimated 7 million people on the autism spectrum in Europe, many families struggle to secure appropriate support due to a lack of accessible information. The Compass Project aims to address this by developing two main resources: an Advocacy Guide and an Online Life Journey Map, both designed to help parents and autistic adults understand their rights in areas such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment.
Five partners are collaborating on "Compass": Mars Autism Foundation (Hungary) – project coordinator, Autism-Europe (Belgium), Fondacija Hiljadu Zelja (Serbia), Latvijas Autisma Apvieniba (Latvia), and Asociatia Pedagogilor Sociali CHEIA (Romania).
Project results
1. A user-friendly Advocacy Guide offering clear, practical advice on how to navigate the legal system and advocate for autistic individuals’ rights.
2. An Online Life Journey Map, which visually outlines the key stages of an autistic person’s life and the services available at each stage.
3. An easy-read version of these tools to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.
4. Dissemination of these resources across multiple languages, tailored to the legal contexts of Hungary, Belgium, Latvia, Romania and Serbia.
These resources will foster inclusion and active citizenship, equip parents and autistic adults with the skills and confidence to navigate complex systems and advocate for their needs and rights more effectively. Provide families with a clear understanding of the rights and entitlements of autistic individuals. The project will also build a European network of autism associations to share best practices and continue supporting advocacy efforts beyond the project’s lifespan.
Useful links
- Project website
- Blog and news
Project No. 2024-1-HU01-KA220-ADU-000256748
Funded by the European Union. The information and statements presented here represent the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Union or the Tempus Public Foundation. Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for them.