Digitization has been on the rise for several years and has become an even more present topic in recent months. Every day it becomes clear that the digital world is not yet designed to be accessible, but it plays a predominant role in everyday life and particularly in the fields of education, of social life and work. Since 2021 as institutions and schools we cooperate in order to create an innovative way to face the development, In 2022 we have been approved for the ERASMUS+ partnership project “Accessibility: supporting learners with needs in a digital world”. We create a bridge, a network with partners from 4 different countries. Germany, Sweden, Greece and Cyprus joined in one project, in one team.

Motivation:

Our motivation is to defend the inalienable and fundamental right of all people regardless of age, sex, physical and mental condition, to have access to education, learning, school, work, entertainment and social life.

By the term accessibility is meant the characteristic of the environment, which allows all people – to have equal rights and accessible opportunities, regardless of perceived categories of difference, such as gender identity, (social) origin, religious affiliation and sexual orientation. Basic incentives are achieving accessibility for all students to equal participation in the educational process and also to satisfactory, adequate education and training. Furthermore, we would like to promote equal vocational training and social integration and inclusion of all people regardless their personal constitution.

Main ideas:

Main ideas for the project are utilizing digital media to facilitate students and individuals in general with learning difficulties/disabilities and special learning needs. Principal aim is the access to education, work or social activities by creating prosperous societies with happy citizens. A combination of a variety of elements such as qualified teachers and trainers, health and mental health professionals and the collaboration of all of them, digital media, such as electronic devices, educational videos, suitable software and apps, equipped laboratories, experimental actions have enlisted, is on the ramparts for this stimulus.

Objectives:

The aim of the cooperation partnership is to train teachers in vocational education in dealing with the target group with special educational needs. Teachers will know how to support their learners in developing digital, personal and social competences. Accessibility and inclusion of the target group will be highlighted and promoted through the development of a methodological guide. The teachers will learn to focus on the needs of the learners and to support them in their personal development.

Activities

So far:

We conducted interviews with teachers and other professionals as well as with students in order to detect and bring to the surface perceptions and beliefs regarding the concept of accessibility. We also asked them to suggest ideas and ways to achieve accessibility for all people without exception and everywhere.

In future:

Ιn a second phase from September 2023 together, the partner organizations will develop a methodological guide with non-formal teaching methods and a method reader based on the Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) approach. These two methodological manuals are practical and easy to use in everyday life and give teachers more confidence in working with learners by presenting targeted needs-based approaches. The methods aim at developing digital competences as well as social competences. We will develop a concept on how teachers can act in this field of tension. Within the framework of the project results, both teachers and learners will be supported in their soft skills.

Impact:

The main aim of the corporate collaboration is to improve the integration of young people into the labor market with a special educational focus on learning, promoting digital, social and personal competencies. In addition to a variety of technical skills in vocational education, soft skills are also important and need to be developed. A holistic approach to individuals will improve their lives. With the development of their skills in particular and in general. In all this work the main helpers/supporter are the teachers/trainers and educators with whom we build the bridge of success.

Partners:

- Germany: KIDS & CO und Konrad-Zuse-Schule Berlin,

- Greece: IFF und 2EPAL Alexandroupoli,

- Sweden: Activa und Gymnasiesärskolan Örebro Kommun,

- Zyprus: Learning Center for Youth

Project webside: https://kids-und-co.de/bildung/berufsbildung/digital-accessibility 

written by: Damtsi Charoula from 2EPAL, Alexandroupolis, Greece