Hand in Hand Foundation’s mission is to empower people with disabilities so they can live their lives with dignity. We do this by working directly with them, as well as through their families, professionals, organizations, and with the wider society.
We have been working towards an inclusive society since 1993. Through our services, we support people with disabilities at every phase of life, in their own environments, while also reaching them indirectly through national and international cooperations.
We are committed to learning and evolving, using our resources thoughtfully to meet the needs of our service users and the challenges of a changing world.
Our core values
- Partnership – We believe the best solutions come from working together. Through shared thinking, planning, and action, we collaborate with individuals, families, professionals, and organizations to build inclusive and sustainable change.
- Empowerment – We empower and support people with disabilities by engaging their families, professionals, and service providers in the social care sector. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can live and work to their fullest potential.
- Dignity – Every person, including those with disabilities, is worthy of honour, respect, and recognition. We believe everyone deserves to feel valued, accepted, and acknowledged within their communities and society as a whole.
Our team
We believe that social, professional and institutional structures are not fixed, and we are committed to drive the change.
- Annamária Kovács, community development professional and policy specialist
- Ákos Pordán, managing director
- Bianca Murányi-Csider, special needs educator, supported housing case manager
- Dr. Adrienn Gazsi, legal aid service
- Dr. Klára Petheő, legal aid service
- Emese Nagy, supported employment service coach
- Gabriella Sebestyén, training coordinator
- Gabriella Spáth, secretariat
- Imre Végh, supported housing case manager
- Ibolya Szász, secretariat
- Irén Kis, finances and accounting
- Lehel K. Papp, program manager and IT support
- Miklós Fehér, supported employment service manager
- Mónika Tóth, international project manager (on leave)
- Sarolta Zalán, international project leader
- Szilvia Gyuris, supported employment service coach
- Zsófia Kogon, program manager
Our services
Supported employment service
Our service supports people with changed working abilities in finding meaningful jobs. Wework to build strong connections between employers in the open labor market and job seekers, ensuring that individuals are matched with roles that fit their skills, aspirations, and needs. We provide comprehensive assistance throughout the entire employment journey: from assessing individual needs and skills to preparing for work, and from the job search to successful integration into the workplace. Our services also include employment preparation trainings and employee support groups.
Beyond direct support, we are committed to raising awareness and shaping employer attitudes so that mainstream workplaces become more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.
Legal aid service
The Foundation offers free legal aid to people with disabilities and their families, helping them understand and protect their rights. Our legal experts provide guidance on key issues such as guardianship, supported decision-making, education, benefits, employment, housing, and access to services. Through this support, we aim to empower individuals and ensure they receive the legal protection and opportunities they are entitled to.
Supported housing
We provide supported housing services that enable people with disabilities to live independently in safe and inclusive homes. The program is designed for individuals with low support needs, offering tailored assistance to foster autonomy and quality of life. In these homes, 2–3 people share a flat, each with their own bedroom, while receiving personalized support that fits their needs.
In 2025 we support 22 people in 10 flats around Budapest.
Family support services
We place a strong emphasis on supporting families with relatives who have disabilities, as we believe this is essential for both the well-being of the family and the effective support of the individual with a disability.
We provide:
- Family or couple therapy for families with a relative with disability
- FECSKE (=Swallow) Service – aims to ease the burden on families. It provides specialized childcare for families raising children with disabilities, with the help of skilled professionals known as ‘Swallows’.
- Trainings in dedicated topics such as development of legal knowledge or communication
Information hub
Our Information Center serves people with disabilities, their families, as well as professionals in the social and educational fields. It provides up-to-date information on available social services, institutions, benefits and legislations that support people with disabilities in their daily lives.
The website is available only in Hungarian: http://info.kezenfogva.hu/
Methodological centre and trainings
The foundation provides methodological assistance for service providers for people with disabilities and professionals.
Our training programs are tailored for social and educational professionals, family members of people with disabilities, and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge on disability-related topics. Courses cover areas such as easy-to-understand communication, supported housing, needs assessment, the European Care Certificate, and supporting adults with autism.
In addition, Hand in Hand actively contributes to shaping the service system: we regularly comment on legislative changes and, when needed, initiate and implement service development activities.
Shaping attitudes
We are dedicated to raising awareness and changing societal attitudes towards people with disabilities from an early age. Through advocacy and educational initiatives, we work to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and foster a more understanding environment. Activities include public campaigns, training programs, and community engagement efforts aimed at shifting perspectives and encouraging the full participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life.
International projects
Our international projects aim at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities in different aspects for over 20 years. By collaborating with organizations across Europe, we share best practices, develop innovative solutions, and enhance the integration of people with disabilities into society. The initiatives focus on a wide range of issues, from inclusive education and employment to social participation and capacity building of service providers. Through these partnerships we work to raise awareness, promote policy change, and ensure that the voices of individuals with disabilities are heard.
Safeguarding Policy
In recent years we have organized many programs and training sessions focused on preventing and addressing abuse towards people with disabilities. Our own Safeguarding Policy is available in English via this link: https://kezenfogva.hu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hihf_sgp_final_en_1.pdf