At Charles University, Professor Jan Šiška is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities through education, research, and policy work. He emphasizes that support should go beyond schooling, ensuring individuals have opportunities to work, live independently, and actively participate in society.Inspired by his early experience in the United Kingdom, Šiška contributed to shaping social service reforms in the Czech Republic, promoting a shift from institutional care toward inclusion, dignity, and human rights. His work bridges research, legislation, and real-life practice, focusing especially on the transition of young people with disabilities into adulthood.Šiška highlights ongoing challenges such as excessive bureaucracy in social services and limited opportunities for meaningful employment and community engagement. He advocates for a person-centered system where resources follow the individual, empowering them to make choices and develop independence.Through international collaboration and long-term research, he continues to push for systemic improvements that enable people with disabilities to lead meaningful, socially connected lives.
Source: Charles University Magazine
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