People with intellectual disabilities are not ‘different’, says Kaunas Arka community leader

The head of the Kaunas Arka community, Rūta Lašaitė, has stressed that people with intellectual disabilities are not “different” but deserve equal opportunities to live independently and contribute meaningfully to society, LRT.lt reports.

The organisation, established around 15 years ago, supports adults with intellectual disabilities in building self-determined lives through housing, daily activity centres, and social workshops. “We help them integrate, gain confidence, and take responsibility for their own lives,” Lašaitė said. “It’s important that these are their homes, where they manage daily tasks with assistance—just like anyone else.”

Members, referred to as “friends” within the community, engage in ceramics, candle-making, and soap production at the social workshops. Their handmade goods are sold primarily during holidays, but the group hopes to secure business partners for larger orders. “This isn’t just about income—it’s about feeling needed and seeing the real-world impact of their work,” Lašaitė explained.

Marijus, a member for 15 years, shared his passion for dancing at the Chamber Theatre, while Jokūbas described learning Turkish from a volunteer and writing poetry. Renatas, who once appeared on a TV show, expressed his wish to return, holding up a recently glazed blue mug he’d crafted. “We want people to see us as individuals, not just recipients of care,” Lašaitė said.

She noted progress in Lithuania’s inclusion efforts but highlighted systemic gaps: “People often get stuck in one organisation without opportunities to move forward.” Comparing her experience in France’s L’Arche communities a decade ago, she observed that Lithuania has advanced but still faces challenges in scaling support. “In a smaller country, grassroots voices might even have an advantage,” she added.

The community currently operates two group homes (housing 10 and 6 residents), a day centre, and workshops. Their goal remains shifting perceptions—from seeing disability as a limitation to recognising untapped potential.