The project runs across the day centres of Grugliasco and Rivoli, in Turin's western belt, within an existing network of services, families and local partners. Experience shows that the abilities of people with disabilities often stay largely invisible, rarely translating into active, recognised roles towards other people.
People with intellectual disabilities have few chances to be recognised as capable of taking on responsibility and supporting others. What is missing is a genuine change of role: from someone who receives a service to a peer tutor who prepares a task, collaborates, gives clear instructions and shares what they have learned.
The project
"Detective a 6 zampe" trains participants in scent detection work with dogs, building technical, relational and organisational skills, and a real sense of responsibility. Twelve young people go on to exercise a genuine peer tutor role, guiding other participants from across the network through the same skills they themselves have learned.
The project rests on the centrality and self-determination of the person, valuing ability beyond disability, learning through concrete tasks, and a respectful, ethical relationship with the dog. Assignments are introduced gradually and tailored to each participant, with peer education and social recognition of skills running through the whole programme, designed to be transferable to other services too.
Who the project is for
The project's direct beneficiaries are 12 young people with intellectual disabilities, aged 18 to 35, attending the day centres of Grugliasco and Rivoli.
Its impact reaches further, to around 40 people with disabilities from other services, who take part in the peer tutoring sessions, along with families, staff and other citizens who take part in the wider programme.
Project name: DETECTIVE A 6 ZAMPE
Proposing organisation: Cooperativa Paradigma
Area of intervention: Inclusion & Social Development
Country: Italy