Part of Virknimiðstöðin work and activity center relocates to larger, more suitable space in Skeifan

Monday, September 15, 2025 Ritstjórn

Photo of the work and activity center space at Skeifan 8. — Smiðjan, which is part of Virknimiðstöðin and provides activity programs for disabled people through the Department of Welfare, has relocated to Skeifan 8.

Smiðjan, which is part of Virknimiðstöðin and provides activity programs for disabled people through the Department of Welfare, has relocated to Skeifan 8. About 30 people use Smiðjan and receive personalized support based on each individual's abilities and interests. The Skeifan facility is both spacious and bright, offering significant potential.

Smiðjan operated at Bæjarflöt for many years. Last spring, it became clear that negotiations to renew the lease were unsuccessful. The City then started looking for new space that would allow for greater efficiency and growth. Finding suitable space in Reykjavík proved challenging, so officials were pleased when the Skeifan location became available for lease.

A woman sits at a table in front of a partition decorated with pictures. — Húsnæðið í Skeifunni er bæði rúmgott og bjart og býður upp á mikla möguleika.

Necessary changes to adapt the space for work and activities

Before deciding to relocate, disability services specialists carefully examined the space. They unanimously agreed that the space would be well-suited for the program with specific modifications. Changes were needed to restrooms, the kitchen, dining area, elevator, ramp and fire safety systems.

Department of Welfare specialists also determined that other work and activity center programs could also be housed at the Skeifan location. The work and activity center includes Smiðjan, Opus, SmíRey and Iðjuberg. Opus, which serves 15 people, is scheduled to move to Skeifan 8 once necessary renovations are finished. Opus currently operates in a Breiðholt building scheduled for demolition, necessitating a new location for the program. Officials were pleased that the Skeifan 8 space could also house that program.

Ensuring a smooth transition for service users

Many people who use the Department of Welfare's activity programs are sensitive to changes and need extended adjustment periods when their environment and circumstances change. Reykjavík City managers and staff in the City's disability services sector understand this. To ensure the smoothest possible transition, City officials have carefully managed the relocation process and communicated the changes to service users and their immediate family, staff, stakeholders, and others involved.

"The new facility gives us opportunities for growth, innovation and development of important services for disabled people."

Aðalbjörg Traustadóttir, head of the Office for Disability Affairs, says moving operations to Skeifan will increase the visibility of disabled people in the community. "Skeifan is right in the heart of the city. The move aligns well with the national plan for disabled people's affairs, which emphasizes increased visibility for disabled people. It's wonderful that disabled people who use Department of Welfare activity program services have been especially warmly welcomed by the surrounding Skeifan community. The Department of Welfare would never have made these changes without putting the interests of service users first, and the new facility gives us opportunities for growth, innovation and development of important services for disabled people," she says.