The Orihuela Department of Family is once again promoting inclusive leisure with a new edition of the 'Paper Elephants' program, aimed at providing a space for coexistence, learning, and support for families in the municipality with members who have functional diversity. The initiative will begin on September 4th.
The Councilor for Family, Mª Carmen Portugal, presented the program, highlighting its special nature and the need it addressed three years ago. This year, the project focuses on 'Body, Senses, and Inclusion', a proposal that combines body movement, sensory stimulation, and family coexistence in an adapted and accessible environment for children with disabilities.
The continuity of the program, according to Portugal, is due to the positive reception from families, who have confirmed the ongoing need for this project. Furthermore, 'Paper Elephants' was recognized as a 'good practice' by the European Network of Family-Friendly Municipalities, an endorsement that reinforces the municipal commitment to inclusion.
The activities will take place at the María Moliner Municipal Library. Friday sessions will be from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, from September 4th to December 18th (except October 9th). There will also be four special coexistence days on Saturdays, September 26th, October 31st, November 28th, and December 19th, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
The program includes 19 sessions focusing on lived psychomotor skills, sensory exploration, cooperative play, and family interaction. The goal is to offer experiences where each child can participate fully, respecting their abilities, and where families find a space for mutual support and learning.
Interested families should send an email to familia@orihuela.es. Places are limited to a maximum of 10 families, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
