Living Library – “Decide For Myself!”
People with psychosocial disabilities have told the stories of their life, as it
is full of obstacles but also of hope, in an impressive and welcomed press event, at
tearoom ARTea. At the inspired initiative of the group “Decide For Myself!”, the first group
of civic initiative in Romania comprised of individuals with psychosocial
disabilities, we offered to the journalists and bloggers the opportunity
of discovering what lies behind the label carried by Romanian persons with
psychosocial disabilities. Catalin, Paul, Antonia, Philip, Michael, Gabriel, Carmen
and Claudia became “books” with souls, minds and extraordinary stories of life in
the Living Library press event. The eight “books” with souls could be borrowed by
“readers” of “library” and read from cover to cover. They answered questions from
journalists on their disabilities, social obstacles they’re facing daily, but also on
their thoughts, dreams and aspirations. During the event, the journalists discussed
with members of the group, trying to outline how their lives flow.
Through their work, the members of the group “Decide For Myself!” wanted to
raise awareness of the rights and opportunities of self and civic action of people
with psychosocial disabilities, but also to familiarize the public with mental health
disorders, tearing down myths and stereotypes about it.
*project made with the participation of Mariana Sebe