U okviru projekta HEARTS – Healthcare Equity and Access for Resilient Targeted
Support, koji se provodi kroz Program prekogranične suradnje Interreg IPA Hrvatska –
Bosna i Hercegovina – Crna Gora 2021.–2027., u Slavonskom Brodu održana je edukacija
stručnog osoblja o primjeni PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) metode –
komunikacijskog sustava namijenjenog osobama s teškoćama verbalne komunikacije, osobito
djeci s utvrđenim stanjem iz spektra autizma.
Na edukaciji su sudjelovali zaposlenici partnerskih ustanova „Centra za pružanje usluga u
zajednici Vukovarsko-srijemske županije“, JU „Dom zdravlja sa stacionarom Žepče“,
te Udruge roditelja djece s teškoćama u razvoju Podgorica.
Tijekom dvodnevne edukacije, stručnjaci različitih profila usvojili su teorijska znanja i
praktične vještine za primjenu PECS metode u svakodnevnom radu. Poseban naglasak
stavljen je na razvoj funkcionalne komunikacije kroz šest faza PECS-a, poticanje djetetove
inicijative u komunikaciji te pravilnu izradu i korištenje komunikacijskih kartica.
Edukaciju je proveo ovlašteni edukacijski centar, a predavač je bio certificirani PECS trener iz
organizacije koja ima službenu licencu za provođenje PECS metode.
Polaznici su kroz ovu stručnu edukaciju usvojili specijalizirana znanja i stručne kompetencije
za rad s djecom koja imaju teškoće u govorno-jezičnom razvoju. Osim novih znanja,
stručnjaci su imali priliku razmijeniti iskustva i primjere dobre prakse sa sudionicima iz
partnerskih zemalja.
Po završetku edukacije, sudionici su stekli međunarodno priznati certifikat, čime se
dodatno potvrđuje kvaliteta rada u području rane intervencije.
Ova edukacija je još jedan značajan korak u jačanju kapaciteta stručnjaka u prekograničnom
području te stvaranju dostupnijih i inkluzivnijih usluga namijenjenih ranjivim skupinama.
Projekt HEARTS usmjeren je na smanjenje nejednakosti u pristupu zdravstvenim i socijalnim
uslugama, a ulaganje u edukaciju konkretan je primjer održivih promjena koje projekt donosi.
„Sadržaj publikacije isključiva je odgovornost Razvojne agencije Vukovarsko-srijemske županije“
PECS training for professionals working with children with developmental challenges –
Project „HEARTS“
Within the framework of the project HEARTS– Healthcare Equity and Access for Resilient
Targeted Support project, implemented through the Interreg IPA Cross-border
Cooperation Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027, a
training session for professional staff on the application of the PECS (Picture Exchange
Communication System) method was held in Slavonski Brod. The PECS system is designed
to support individuals with verbal communication difficulties, particularly children on the
autism spectrum.
The training was attended by staff from partner institutions, including the “Centre for
community services of Vukovar-Srijem County”, Public Institution “Health Centre with
inpatient ward Žepče” and the Association of Parents of children with developmental
difficulties Podgorica, together with project team members.
During the two-day training, professionals from various disciplines acquired theoretical
knowledge and practical skills for applying the PECS method in everyday practice. Special
attention was given to developing functional communication through the six PECS phases,
encouraging child-initiated communication, and the correct creation and use of
communication cards.
The training was conducted by an authorized educational canter, with a certified PECS trainer
from the organization officially licensed to provide PECS instruction.
Through this professional training, participants acquired specialized knowledge and
professional competencies for working with children with speech and language development
difficulties. In addition to gaining new skills, professionals had the opportunity to exchange
experiences and best practice examples with participants from partner countries.
Upon completing the training, participants received an internationally recognized certificate,
reinforcing the excellence of their work in early intervention.
This training marks another important milestone in enhancing the capacities of professionals
throughout the cross-border area and in developing more accessible and inclusive services for
vulnerable groups. The HEARTS project aims to reduce inequalities in access to health and
social services, with investment in professional training serving as a concrete example of the
sustainable impact the project delivers.
„The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the Vukovar-Srijem County Development Agency.“