Discovering New Possibilities, One IDEA at a Time (blog post)

Author: Carlos Amir, service-user at Fundacion Intras (Spain)

My name is Carlos Amir, and I am a user of Fundación INTRAS in Spain. The foundation supports me in my daily life to better manage the limitations related to my disability, ADHD with hyperactivity. Thanks to this support, I am gradually making progress in important areas of my life, both personal and professional, and I feel accompanied throughout this process.

Recently, I had the opportunity to take part in the IDEA project, and it has truly been a very enriching experience for me. I was really surprised to discover how an idea, which at first may seem simple or abstract, can be transformed into a real product that helps meet people’s actual needs. This process has helped me think and learn in a different way, and it has motivated me to keep exploring new possibilities.

I have always been interested in technology, although I admit that sometimes I find it difficult to fully understand it. Even so, I enjoy learning little by little. As part of the project, we had the chance to visit the FabLab at the University of Valladolid, and it was an incredible experience that I will not forget. There, I was able to see how 3D printers and laser cutting machines work, and I also had the opportunity to work with vinyl. I was very impressed to see how machines can transform materials into real objects, and being part of that process made me feel really good.

My educators explain to me—and I also understand—that I need to continue improving my work skills in order to get a job and become more independent. For me, everything I have seen and learned in this project feels like discovering a whole new world full of opportunities. I feel that I am taking small steps that can make a big difference in my future.

I would really like to work with 3D printers in the future, as it is something that has truly interested and motivated me. I believe it would be very interesting to create products at INTRAS that we could then sell, such as a model of Peñafiel Castle or other useful or creative objects. Being part of something like this would make me feel proud and useful, and it would help me continue growing as a person.