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 “Supported Life and Work” methodology.

OUR VISION promotes the creation of an inclusive and equitable society where all people with intellectual disabilities are recognized for their unique value, enjoy equal opportunities, and can participate fully in all aspects of life, achieving their maximum 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, giving them the tools and support to confidently take control of their lives.

#Transparency: We believe in honesty and humility, we share clearly our work and management of resources to build strong and lasting relationships with our community.

#Collaboration: We believe in the power of alliances and networking, with families, people with disabilities, the business fabric and society to maximize the impact of our actions in the lives of our participants .

OUR HISTORY:

In 1989, Glòria Canals and Montserrat Domènech, psychologists and graduates in pedagogy, driven by a vision of change and a deep commitment, created the first “Work with Support” project in Spain. His dream was to break through the imposed barriers and open a path full of opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

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

Inspired by the model born in the United States in the 80s, AURA has developed personalized strategies to facilitate the integration of people with intellectual disabilities in ordinary work environments.

Over the course of three decades, AURA has had the privilege of helping many people with intellectual disabilities find their place in renowned companies, thus validating that work inclusion is not only possible, but can be successful when provides the necessary support. Our commitment is to continue collaborating with the business community and other organizations to build a future where no one is left behind.

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

PRIZES 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).