Fjölmennt Lifelong Learning Center for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Mission and Goals 

Fjölmennt is a lifelong learning center dedicated to supporting adults aged 20 and above with learning disabilities. Our primary mission is to enhance quality of life through education, fostering empowerment for individuals who often face the greatest challenges in accessing societal opportunities. We actively work towards the inclusive vision of “one society for all”. 

Core Values 

• Education 

• Empowerment 

• Collaboration 

• Flexibility 
  
  

Structure and Services 

Fjölmennt operates with two main departments: 

• Course Department: Manages and delivers a range of courses for our target group. 

• Counseling Department: Provides guidance and support to both our learners and educators within lifelong learning frameworks. 

Target Group 

Our services cater to adults aged 20 and over who have limited access to traditional educational and employment pathways. We primarily serve individuals with developmental disabilities, multiple disabilities (including PMLD and SLD), and those on the autism spectrum who need extra assistance.  

Our courses are accessible to all levels of functioning, without an upper age limit. Each semester, Fjölmennt serves approximately 350-400 participants in the greater Reykjavík area, along with 400 additional participants across other regions in Iceland through collaboration with regional adult education centers. 

Organizational Structure and Funding 

Fjölmennt is a non-profit organization jointly managed by two national associations for people with disabilities: 

• Þroskahjálp: An association for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. 

• ÖBÍ Human Rights Association: A national federation for disability rights organizations. 

The center operates under a service contract with the Ministry for Social Affairs and Labour and adheres to the 2010 Adult Education Act.  

Courses 

Course Length: Courses are typically taught once a week for a whole semester. Shorter courses range from 1 to 8 lessons while students on longer study tracks may attend 3-4 lessons a week over one or two 12-week semesters.  

Accessibility: All courses are designed to accommodate varying levels of ability, perception, and experience. There is no minimum functional level or age limit, though some courses are tailored for specific groups. 

Course Categories:  

• Art and Crafts 

• Sports, Dance and Yoga 

• Household and Cooking 

• Academics and Society 

• Diverse Communication (AAC) and Sensory Experience 

• Technology and Media 

• Music and Drama 

• Driver’s Education 

Counseling Services 

Fjölmennt provides counseling for: 

• Learners and Their Advocates: Providing guidance on course options and support for applying learning outcomes into daily life, including brief seminars for staff in learners' residential settings. 

• Educators and Educational Institutions: Support with course preparation, adaptation of learning materials, collaboration with learners' assistants, and approaches for goal setting and assessment. 
  
  

Collaborative Projects 

Fjölmennt actively participates in projects aimed at enhancing social inclusion and expanding educational opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. Notable projects include: 

• Art Without Borders art festival

• Diploma Program for People with Developmental Disabilities at the University of Iceland  

• With Our Eyes Project TV program

• UN Convention Ambassadors 

• User Committee for Review and Consultation 

• Implementation Report of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 

• Seat at the Table Initiative 

Fjölmennt remains dedicated to providing flexible learning opportunities and promoting meaningful societal participation for individuals with learning disabilities.