1. Project Handicapped People Employed in Co-operatives (HAPECO) Duration: January 2005 – July 2008 6 target regions in Estonia (covering about 50 % of the country)

2. Target group: Disabled people (with disabilities that prevent them from finding work in the “usual” way) General Idea: Working is the best defense against poverty and exclusion. Work instead of welfare!

3. Objectives Raise the awareness of the society and the decision-makers. Integrate the results of the project into policies Create a network of organisations supporting the integration of disadvantaged people. Test new methods and tools for supporting the employment of disabled people

4. Activities for the target group Business consolidation Company creation Training, counselling, advising, many-sided support Involving participants

5. Active involvement of the participants Active involvement of the participants. They are all members and owners Social cooperative is the best form of enterprise in this case, as all the members have equal rights to make decisions about everyday management, finances, future plans etc. 1 member – 1 vote Social aspect and team work Self-esteem and self-realisation

6. Results by May 2007: Active work in the 6 regions (groups of 10 – 15 people in each region) Basic training finished in most regions Vocational training going on Cooperatives being legally formed The first 4 cooperatives are ready!! children’s daycare centres, gardening, handicraft, various household assistance services