At the heart of our mission in Shkodër is the belief that the greatest barrier our residents face isn't their physical or intellectual condition, but the weight of societal stigma. Many misconceptions persist because of outdated institutional views that once isolated individuals with disabilities from the community. One of the most common myths is that a person’s disability defines who they are—as if the person is "lost" behind a label. In reality, our residents are people first: they have distinct personalities, sharp humor, unique talents in our wood workshops, and the same emotional needs as anyone else. By labeling someone merely as "disabled," society ignores the individual, a practice we counter daily through our "House-Family" model which celebrates personhood over diagnosis.

Another pervasive myth in Albania is the idea that people with intellectual disabilities are "sick" or in a constant state of suffering that requires pity. This "medical model" of disability incorrectly suggests that their lives are a tragedy. At Projekti Shpresa, we prove the opposite every day. Disability is not a disease to be cured; it is a part of human diversity. Our residents are active participants in life—whether they are creating art for the "Beyond Borders" exhibition or participating in sports at our Velipojë summer camps. The true "tragedy" is not the disability itself, but the lack of accessible ramps, inclusive schools, and job opportunities in the wider community that prevent these individuals from fully sharing their gifts with the world.

There is also a significant misconception that individuals with intellectual disabilities are "uneducable" or cannot contribute to society. Historically, this led to the exclusion of children from mainstream education. However, research and our own experience show that 85% of intellectual disabilities are mild, and with the right "learning by doing" approach, these individuals can master vocational skills, use technology, and hold professional jobs. By believing they cannot learn, society creates a self-fulfilling prophecy of dependency. When we replace this myth with high expectations and tailored support, our residents show remarkable growth in autonomy, proving that they are not a "burden" on the community but an asset to it.

Finally, we must debunk the myth that people with disabilities do not desire or deserve the same social milestones as others, such as friendship, independence, or starting a family. Stigma often leads to the infantilization of adults with disabilities, treating them as eternal children. At Projekti Shpresa, we advocate for the right of every adult to lead an autonomous life, form deep personal relationships, and be respected as equal citizens. Breaking the stigma starts with a simple step: seeing the person, not the disability. When the citizens of Shkodër engage with our residents as neighbors and colleagues, the myths dissolve, replaced by the reality of our shared humanity.