The ALUNA Center began as a response to the needs of people with disabilities and their relatives in Cartagena de Indias.

They are a non-profit organization, specialized in providing holistic assistance to people with cognitive and multiple disabilities. They work through these programs:

• Holistic assistance for 400 children, teenagers and adults with cognitive and multiple disabilities.
• Community programs– Bringing services into the community. Offering support or care children and teenagers who live in extreme poverty.and special educational needs.
• Continuous training to educators, therapists, university students and parents.
• Publication of professional experiences through our Journal “Special Education” and specialized books.
• Investigation center: Investigation in educational and therapeutic topics.
• Social sensibility through cultural activities such as the organization of the Special Education Theater Festival.

MISSION

They work with a pedagogical focus in the empowerment and education of children, teenagers and adults with cognitive and multiple disabilities, sponsoring the development of their potential for integration in their individual family, social, work and cultural environment, respecting their rights and dignity as a human being. They promote special pedagogy and investigate emerging topics concerning special education and coadjutant therapies.

VISION

To be recognized nationally and internationally as a model non-profit provider of comprehensive care for people with cognitive disabilities, providing tailored special education and therapeutic assistance and protecting human dignity to combat the condition of poverty of program beneficiaries through the provision of in-home service and by empowering families through need-based programming.

HOW THEY EDUCATE

ALUNA’s education bases its actions on the needs of the disabled person. Using this as a framework for action, the interdisciplinary team creates a pedagogical work plan and complementary therapies to achieve two primary objectives: improve their quality of life and increase independence in daily activities.