Fundacja im. Doktora Piotra Janaszka PODAJ DALEJ/ Doctor Piotr Janaszek PAY IT FORWARD Foundation

Our mission Imagine a world where people with disabilities do not feel like a burden or an obstacle. A world where they can work, pursue their passions, make their own choices, participate fully in society and live happy, independent lives. The Doctor Piotr Janaszek Pay It Forward Foundation (Fundacja im. Doktora Piotra Janaszka PODAJ DALEJ) works every day to help build such a world. Since 2004, we have supported people whose disabilities make independent living difficult or impossible. Every year, we support more than 280 people with disabilities – children, young people and adults – helping them become more independent, regain confidence and discover that disability does not have to def... read more Our mission Imagine a world where people with disabilities do not feel like a burden or an obstacle. A world where they can work, pursue their passions, make their own choices, participate fully in society and live happy, independent lives. The Doctor Piotr Janaszek Pay It Forward Foundation (Fundacja im. Doktora Piotra Janaszka PODAJ DALEJ) works every day to help build such a world. Since 2004, we have supported people whose disabilities make independent living difficult or impossible. Every year, we support more than 280 people with disabilities – children, young people and adults – helping them become more independent, regain confidence and discover that disability does not have to define their lives. All our support and activities are provided free of charge. This is possible thanks to individual donors, companies, institutions and partner organizations that believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently and pursue their dreams. Helping people live independently Our support is practical, individual and focused on real-life skills. In our training apartments in Konin, people who have acquired a disability, often after an accident, learn how to live independently in a wheelchair and manage everyday life. Our rehabilitation, independent living training and sports activities help participants improve their physical abilities, confidence and independence. Independent living trainers and assistants teach practical skills such as dressing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, moving around the city, transferring safely and overcoming architectural barriers. We also provide respite support for families and caregivers, giving them a chance to rest while ensuring that people with disabilities receive safe and meaningful support. We believe that independence also means having the right to work, develop talents and pursue passions. Participants take part in adapted sports such as wheelchair basketball, swimming, fencing, boccia and table tennis. Through our “Spread Your Wings” project, people with physical disabilities learn to fly gliders and paragliders. We also support artistic development and theatre activities for people with intellectual disabilities. Children deserve the chance to discover independence Our Little Explorers Camps give children with disabilities from across Poland an opportunity to experience a summer camp without their parents, make friends, try new activities and learn everyday independence in a safe and supportive environment. We also work with children and young people in schools. Through educational projects such as “Lisek Ibisek” and “A Better World”, we help children understand disability, overcome stereotypes and learn how to prevent accidents and respond safely in difficult situations. Sharing knowledge and changing society We know that lasting change requires more than direct support. That is why we share our experience with others. We organize nationwide workshops and training for therapists, teachers, caregivers and volunteers. We teach art therapy and modern approaches to rehabilitation and prepare volunteers to work with people with disabilities. We also promote accessibility. We conduct accessibility audits, train organizations and institutions, develop practical tools for assessing accessibility and create guidance on topics such as the safe evacuation of people with physical disabilities. More than one third of our team are employees with disabilities. We believe that people with disabilities should not only be beneficiaries of support – they should also be professionals, colleagues, experts and decision-makers. Building a place for independent living Near Konin, in Wąsosze, we are creating Osada Janaszkowo – a modern place where people with disabilities can rehabilitate, learn independence, live and participate in community life. Since 2021, Osada Janaszkowo (Janaszkowo Settlement) has been home to a modern Rehabilitation Centre, a community centre and the Independence Park, where people can safely practice overcoming everyday barriers. By the end of 2026, supported and training apartments will also open there, creating new opportunities for people with disabilities to develop their independence. Continuing the legacy of Doctor Piotr Janaszek The Foundation was established in 2004 in memory of Doctor Piotr Janaszek, a physician and social activist who pioneered innovative approaches to rehabilitation from the 1970s onwards. He believed that people with disabilities should be active, independent and included in society. He died tragically in 1998, leaving many plans and dreams unfinished. Today, we continue his work – and invite others to “pay it forward.” Our mission is simple: to help people with disabilities live independently, make their own choices, develop their potential and be fully included in society.