We are delighted to officially introduce Innovation in Caregiver Support (ICS), an Erasmus+ project focused on improving the support available to informal caregivers of autistic people through training, practical resources and innovative digital solutions.
Informal caregivers play an essential role in promoting inclusion, autonomy, well-being and quality of life. Through ICS, organisations from across Europe are combining their expertise to better understand caregivers’ needs and develop meaningful tools and approaches that can support them in their everyday lives.
The ICS consortium brings together five organisations from four European countries:
- Iscte Conhecimento e Inovação – Centro de Valorização e Transferência de Tecnologias Associação (Iscte-CVTT), Portugal – Project Coordinator
- Inovar Autismo – Associação de Cidadania e Inclusão, Portugal
- Associazione Diversamente ODV, Italy
- Asociación de Padres de Personas con Autismo de Burgos, Spain
- VONGRID, Greece
Together, the partners contribute complementary expertise in research, autism support, caregiver services, vocational education, social inclusion and digital innovation, creating a strong foundation for the development and implementation of the project.
The first Transnational Project Meeting took place in Lisbon, Portugal, on 18–19 September 2025, marking the official start of the collaboration.
The meeting gave the consortium the opportunity to meet in person, exchange experiences and expertise, establish a shared understanding of the project vision and coordinate the work ahead. Partners reviewed the project objectives and planned activities, clarified roles and responsibilities, discussed the first implementation steps and agreed on key priorities and upcoming milestones.
A special thank you goes to Iscte Conhecimento e Inovação (Iscte-CVTT) for coordinating the ICS project and for warmly hosting the consortium in Lisbon for the kick-off meeting. Their organisation and guidance provided an excellent starting point for the collaboration and for the work that will follow throughout the project.
We would also like to thank all ICS partners for their active participation, valuable contributions and collaborative spirit during this first meeting.
With the consortium aligned and the first activities underway, we look forward to transforming the project’s ideas into practical training, resources and digital solutions that can make a meaningful difference for informal caregivers of autistic people and the people they support.
The ICS journey has officially begun! 🌍💙
