Sense BSR embarks on a journey towards inclusivity

Why neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity, although not a new concept, has only recently begun to receive greater public attention. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population in the Baltic Sea Region may be neurodivergent, and this figure is expected to continue to grow. Unlike some limited physical abilities, neurodivergence may not be immediately apparent. As a result, identifying and addressing the needs of neurodivergent people (e.g., access to sensory-friendly environments, availability of tailored communication) can be more challenging and requires additional efforts from public authorities, service providers and other stakeholders.

Why recreational public services?

Recreational public services (e.g., access to parks, cultural venues and events, sports facilities, community centres) are vitally important to neurodivergent people as they provide opportunities that support their overall well-being, social inclusion, and personal development. However, many such services fail to adequately address the needs of NDP, as their design and provision primarily focus on the general population. The lack of inclusive and accessible recreational services can negatively affect the quality of life, social participation, and local inclusion of residents with specific needs.

Why rural and remote areas?

Generally, the provision of public services in small, rural or remote municipalities is constrained by limited financial and human resources, as well as a lack of specialised knowledge and expertise. Adapting recreational services to diverse needs requires specific knowledge, awareness, and creative approaches, which can be challenging to develop, especially in smaller municipalities. These limitations can reduce the attractiveness of rural and remote regions as places to live, participate in community life, and enjoy recreational activities, particularly for increasingly diverse populations.

How will Sense BSR tackle this problem?

During the two-year initiative, partners from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will equip local public authorities and recreational public service providers with the knowledge, skills, and co-creation methods needed to develop and deliver inclusive, tailored services for an underserved population – neurodivergent residents. This goal will be achieved through two key project activities that will directly involve local authorities and recreational public service providers: targeted training sessions and collaborative co-creation workshops. Together, these activities will strengthen institutional capacities to design and deliver public recreational services that respond to the specific needs of an underrepresented group within local communities.

What does Sense BSR aim to achieve?

The project will develop a practical toolkit to help public authorities and recreational service providers make their services more inclusive and accessible for NDP. It will offer practical guidance on how to adapt services, environments, and communication to better meet different needs. The knowledge and approaches developed through the project will then be used by other municipalities and organisations, helping to make recreational services more inclusive across the Baltic Sea Region.

How can you get involved?

The project includes a wide range of activities that will involve our target groups and relevant stakeholders, from needs analysis to creative workshops, webinars, and exploratory visits. If you represent a local public authority, recreational service provider, NDP community or are simply interested in the project topic, follow the project website and social media channels for the latest updates and information on opportunities to get involved.

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