2014_01_27_entrevista-iciarastiasaran

A purpose of the course "Training to understand disability", which begins on Monday, February 3, the Vice President of research, Icíar Astiasarán, explains the importance of acquiring knowledge to deal with people with disabilities.

Do you think that, if we were to take a citizen of Pamplona at random, would he/she know a priori how to treat a person with a disability? Do you think he/she would be prepared?

Probably not. It is a topic for which, in general, we do not receive training and therefore we are not prepared. Only those people who, for different reasons, have lived with people whose physical or psychological conditions deviate from the patterns we consider normal, have learned to deal with them.

Why has the University launched the Course "Training to understand disability"??

Quite simply, because we want to train students capable of improving society. In this sense, it is perfectly understood that awareness towards disabled people is a topic closely linked to values such as equality, solidarity and generosity. Values in which we sincerely believe.

Is this an isolated activity or are other actions planned around this topic?

The course is part of a strategic project covering two aspects of training:

 1) training in competences, skills and attitudes towards the most disadvantaged or differently abled people, two programs are included here: Tantaka (volunteer activities) and Inlusión (internship program for people with disabilities) and

2) training in knowledge, where this first course with five perspectives on disability is framed.

What are the five looks after?

That we acquire knowledge from different points of view: Is there a special legal treatment for disabled people in the field of social benefits or business? Does society offer special help in the field of educational for this subject of people? What tools does the administration make available to these people and their families? What do the associations do for these groups? What are the specialized centers that take care of these people throughout their lives? The more we know the answers to these questions, the better we will be able to welcome and help these people.

Do you think students are able to see the need for this training?

There is no doubt in my mind. Young people aspire to be professionals with excellent skills and knowledge in their respective fields of work and with a human training that allows them to give a added value to their work. The project that we have set up will undoubtedly help them to acquire this differential value. 

We are therefore hopeful that the response to this initiative from our students will be good and that we will be able to move forward with other activities at training.

And the rest of us who work at the University, do you think we are also in need of this training?

The course is open to anyone who wants to learn a little more about the world of disability. We are having registrations from employees, professors and even people outside the University. Surely it will help us all to become aware and contribute, in some way or at some point, to improve the quality of life of these people.

More information about the course "Training to understand disability".