A pioneering project in the employment of people with functional diversity
In the 1970s, at a time when there were no Special Employment Centers or extensive legislation on people with functional diversity, Salvador Strino set up a workshop to offer work to the students of the special education school Jeroni de Moragas This school, founded by Dr. Moragas, was a pioneer in its humanistic and individualized vision of education for people with intellectual developmental disorders.
Jeroni de Moragas Workshop was established as a cooperative in 1973 and, seven years later, moved to Sant Cugat, near Valldoreix station. Today, it is the oldest active cooperative in the city, with a history of half a century dedicated to the employment and inclusion of people with functional diversity.
A story of recognition and social change
For much of the last century, functional diversity was not recognized or accepted by society. Families often hid their children’s disability and saw it as a divine punishment. However, Dr. Moragas was able to move ahead of his time and found a special education school that broke with this prejudiced vision.
The 1982 regulation marked a turning point in the recognition and integration of functional diversity in the workplace. This regulation established the foundations of the Special Work Centers, which allowed people with functional diversity to access employment and develop their professional skills. The Jeroni de Moragas Workshop was one of the first to adapt to this new legal framework and began offering services such as sustainable last-mile delivery and catering, which have provided job opportunities to its users.
A comprehensive look at health and autonomy
Over time, the Jeroni de Moragas Workshop has expanded its services to comprehensively address the needs of people with functional diversity. In addition to employment services, they have incorporated psychotherapy, leisure and home care services to guarantee people’s autonomy. This communal and inclusive outlook has been key to establishing relationships with the environment and avoiding social isolation.
One of the most recent successes of the Workshop is the musical group Árboles Amarillos, formed by workers and users of the cooperative. In addition, the Jeroni de Moragas Workshop has established collaborations with other entities in the sector and actively participates in cooperation networks and the exchange of resources. This cooperative and collaborative vision has allowed the Workshop to adapt to changes and continue to advance in its mission of inclusion and support for people with functional diversity.
The Jeroni de Moragas Foundation: a key figure in support and tutelage
The Jeroni de Moragas Foundation, created in 1993, has been an important step in the support and protection of people with functional diversity. Through this foundation, personal assistance and representation is offered in legal and financial matters. This allows users of the Workshop to have support in areas such as the economy, personal wealth, health and treatments.
In summary, the Jeroni de Moragas Workshop is an example of a pioneering project in the employment and inclusion of people with functional diversity. With a track record of half a century, they have been able to adapt to social and legal changes to offer employment and comprehensive support services. Their cooperative and collaborative vision has allowed them to establish relationships with other entities and move towards a more inclusive and equal society.