On November 6–7, 2025, a large-scale experience exchange took place in Satu Mare as part of the DECRISIS – Development of Children’s Rehabilitation Institutions (ROHU00350) project, a cross-border initiative funded by the Interreg VI-A Romania–Hungary Programme. The project aims to improve access to services for children with special educational needs in Satu Mare County (Romania) and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County (Hungary).
The event, organised by the Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association, brought together professionals from the fields of education and health, therapists, psychologists, teachers, and representatives of the Satu Mare Centre for Inclusive Education and the Educational Centre of Nyíregyháza District – partners within the project.
The first day began at the Satu Mare Centre for Inclusive Education, where participants were welcomed by the local implementation team. After presenting the DECRISIS project and its objectives – creating modern therapy conditions, developing professional competences, and strengthening institutional cooperation – several public and private organisations providing services for children with special educational needs in the county were introduced. The activities continued with visits to the “Blessed János Scheffler” Centre and the secondary building of the Satu Mare Centre for Inclusive Education on Alexandru Ioan Cuza Street, where participants could directly observe the daily therapeutic activities and modern equipment.
The second day was dedicated to the exchange of good practices. Experts held a practical demonstration of therapies used for children with special educational needs, followed by interdisciplinary working sessions – involving educators, psychologists, and therapists – to explore effective and personalised collaboration in the rehabilitation process. Participants also visited the Inclusive Education Centre in Carei and the hippotherapy centre, where they attended a presentation on the use of horse-assisted therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders. The experience was complemented by demonstrative activities and applied discussions on the benefits of human–animal interaction in occupational therapy. In conclusion, the participants analysed the outcomes of interdisciplinary collaboration and identified joint directions for strengthening educational and therapeutic services in both regions.
The event in Satu Mare marked an important step in cross-border cooperation, proving that experience exchange and professional dialogue are essential for the continuous improvement of services dedicated to children with special educational needs and their families.
The DECRISIS project is implemented by the Satu Mare County Intercommunity Development Association, in partnership with the Satu Mare Centre for Inclusive Education and the Educational Centre of Nyíregyháza District, with the Satu Mare County School Inspectorate as an associated partner. The total project budget is 477,999.90 EUR, of which 382,399.91 EUR is financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Romania–Hungary Programme. The implementation period is 24 months.
