Our Normal - a digital platform for families with children with special needs
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Föreningen Familjevänner |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 300 000 |
| Project duration | May 2016 - February 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The purpose of the project was to design and develop a first version of a digital community for families of children with different types of disabilities a web page where families easily can find other families to get in touch one-on-one. Apart from the ambition of making it easier for families to get in touch, the purpose of the web page also was to create a digital space and network where feelings of loneliness and isolation could be met and turned into feelings of belonging and support. The objective was to have a first user base of families on the web page at the end of the project.
Expected long term effects
The goals have been achieved and a first version of the webpage www.ournormal.org was launched at the end of the project. Marketing and communication activities have just recently started in order to spread the word about the web page and attract more families to sign up. However, a first user base of families are already there and we can see how most of the developed functionality of the web page work the way we planned for. More families start joining each day, and we are now about to roll out a wider communication campaign in order to continue this positive trend.
Approach and implementation
The work streams have actively involved the users who continuously have given us their feedback in both dialogue meetings and user tests. The project has also been run by parents who are representatives from the target group themselves. There was a small time delay in the design and development phase, but overall most activities have been carried through according to plan. Next phase will include activities for scaling up and for establishing a more long-term organizational structure with partnerships and representatives who can support Our Normal to take our next steps.