aura - Aura fundació

OUR MISSION Since 1989 has been to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities through their social and work inclusion, following the “Living with Support and Supported Employment” methodology.

OUR VISION Fostering the creation of an inclusive and equitable society, where all people with intellectual disabilities are recognized for their unique value, where they can enjoy equal opportunities and can fully participate in all aspects of life, reaching their full potential in an environment of respect, support, and empowerment.

OUR VALUES:

#Inclusion: We believe in a society where each person is accepted and valued for their abilities, and can participate fully without discrimination.

#Respect: We value the uniqueness of each person, treating everyone with dignity and recognizing their rights, dreams and achievements.

#Empowerment: We are committed to helping each person reach their full potential, providing them with tools and support so they can confidently take control of their lives.

#Transparency: We believe in honesty and humility; we openly share our work and our management of resources to build solid and lasting relationships with our community.

#Collaboration: We believe in the strength of alliances, and networking with families, people with disabilities, the business fabric, as well as society at large, to maximize the impact of our actions on the lives of our participants.

OUR HISTORY:

In 1989, Glòria Canals and Montserrat Domènech, psychologists and pedagogy graduates respectively, both driven by a vision of change and deep commitment, created the first “Supported Employment” project in Spain. Their dream was to break down imposed barriers and pave a path full of opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

From its beginnings, AURA has been at the forefront of labour inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. A pioneer in Spain and Europe, the Foundation not only adopted this innovative methodology, but also promoted the creation of the Spanish Association of Supported Employment and the Catalan Association of Supported Employment, to share and expand this model.

Inspired by the model that emerged in the United States in the 1980s, AURA has developed customized strategies to facilitate the integration of people with intellectual disabilities in regular work environments.

Over the course of three decades, AURA has had the privilege of helping many people with intellectual disabilities find their place in reputable companies, proving that labour inclusion is not only possible, but can also be successful when the necessary support is provided. We are committed to continuing to collaborate with the business community and other organizations to build a future where absolutely no one gets left behind.

Today, AURA is a beacon of hope and progress, inspiring many other organizations to follow our path. We continue to move forward passionately, looking for new ways to promote an inclusive and equitable society for everyone.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Throughout these three decades, the AURA Foundation has received the following recognitions:

XVII Gaudí Gresol Awards to Dª. Gloria Canals, president of AURA, in the category of Illustrious Catalan, for her contribution to improving the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities (2024).
XI Prize for University Volunteering, awarded by the Fundación Mutua Madrileña (2023).
Barcelona City Council medal of honor for the civic values and community commitment of the Aura Foundation (2023).
Single Prize ONCE Catalonia 2022, to Dª. Gloria Canals, president of AURA, for her professional career and her contribution to improving the quality of life of people with Intellectual Disabilities.
“World Down Syndrome Day 2019” Award from the 14th World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (November 2020).
Recognition “The things that matter”, for the management of COVID beyond our daily work, from Business with Social Value (September 2020).
Piñol Award for the best career in favor of employment (2019).
Award to AURA for work in social and labor insertion HUMANA (2016).
Commemorative plaque of the Generalitat de Catalunya on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Aura Fundació (2014).
Recognition of AESE for the promotion of Supported Employment in the Country (Madrid 2013).
Award in the field of Disability, Fundació Agrupació Mútua (2009).
Recognition at 20 years, the Supported Employment Symposium (Bilbao 2009).
TaS Caja Madrid award to the most veteran institution to apply the Supported Employment methodology (2008).
Caixa Sabadell Social Work Award (2006).
IMSERSO prize for the labor integration of people with disabilities (1999).
May 1 Commitment Award Rafael Campalans (1998).