Free Technology Signs

The goal of Free Technology Signs (FTS) was to develop accessible, bilingual digital resources to enable deaf job seekers to learn transferable digital skills independently or in training settings...

The main objective of FTS was to enable deaf jobseekers to become more resilient, acquire greater self-determination, self-motivation (to self-study) and independence through the acquisition of transferable digital skills and increased (digital) capacities. We identified several indicators to demonstrate that we have achieved this objective. These are: - more than 100 D/deaf youth have used the tools independently; - 20 deaf job seekers have acquired transferable skills; - 80% of deaf youth participants express greater empowerment; - 15 institutes, organisations and schools use the tools in their training programmes. This report demonstrates that we have achieved all of our planned objective indicators. NB on abbreviations: HU = Humbolt University, COMU = Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, ISSR = Istituto Statale Sordi Roma, IST = Istituto dei Sordi di Torino DGS - German Sign Language, ÖGS = Austrian Sign Language, TID = Turkish Sign Language, LIS is Italian Sign Language SL = Sign Language

We implemented activities related to project management, developed our project outputs, worked on disseminating information regarding the project in general and then later, concentrated on disseminating the project outputs. Towards the end of the project, the aim of dissemination shifted to focus on our multiplier events, exploitation, sustainability and transfer within the networks we have built up. Concerning project management, we developed a work plan, Gantt chart, LFA, quality management plan, sustainability plan, and submitted financial and narrative reports to the National agency. Concerning the first project output “Analysis and Abstract”, our first activity was to carry out 4 surveys in signed and written languages to assess the needs of deaf job seekers concerning transferable digital skills. We summarised the findings in 1 transnational 4 country specific reports, as well as 5 video abstracts in sign languages. For the “Digital Skills Tutorial”, we developed 10 videos about transferable digital skills in 5 sign languages with animation, graphics, subtitle and accompanying text in plain language. We compiled a vocabulary register with 73 complex terms related to digital skills with a video of the sign, an image and a short explanation in plain language. We also developed plain language booklets with QR codes linking to the videos on tour platform in all languages (these can be used in training with smartphones), as well as vocabulary cards with graphics and QR codes. For the “Blended Learning Training Package”, we developed a curriculum, blended learning training courses of 30 hours including training plan, worksheet for learners, presentations, self-assessment and empowerment questions. The course was piloted by 51 deaf job seekers in 4 countries. To ensure the inclusion of the deaf community in all project outputs, we hosted regular meetings with deaf job seekers and stakeholders/associated partners to collect feedback and test the quality of our outputs (working and focus groups). Concerning dissemination, we developed a project identity and dissemination plan, created a project website and posted regularly on social media -on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube - and reached a large audience of approx. 500 per month (up to a maximum audience of 8K for a single post).

Our expect results were as follows: A digital abstract on needs, knowledge and attitudes relating to transferable digital skills has been produced, based on research and analysis within deaf communities. A toolkit comprising animated video tutorials on transferable digital skills has been developed and is available online in an accessible and multilingual format (comprising 50 tutorial videos and 365 vocabulary videos), as well as 5 plain language PDFs with QR codes, and our voluntary cards with QR codes. FTS curriculum and blended learning course has been developed and piloted, and a digital handbook developed. The course is available in 4 languages (EN, TR, IT and DE) We identified the following indicators to assess whether we had achieved our results (the number in brackets indicates the number achieved): - 120 (199) deaf job seekers, 40 (57) deaf experts (institutes/ organisations/ associations) and 25 (23) employers and recruitment agencies have completed the survey (there were 4 surveys + 7 National Deaf Associations answered the additional survey). - 5 (5) reports and one aggregated overview (abstract) are available in digital form for download. - 5 (5) summaries in sign language (ÖGS, TÍD, LIS, DGS and International Sign) are available online. - 28 (32 + 9) persons (of which 20 are deaf jobseekers) have tested IO2 and provided feedback. - 25 (26) associated partners have tested IO2 and provided feedback. - 50 (50) accessible videos are available online. - A collection (73 terms = 365 videos in total with 365 graphics) of signed vocabulary of terminology relating to ICT (in ÖGS, TÍD, LIS, DGS and International sign) is available online. - A training curriculum based on a blended learning methodology is available in English, German, Turkish and Italian is available. - A digital handbook (4 language versions) has been developed including digital training materials, games and more and is downloadable in English, German, Italian and Turkish. - Piloting has taken place in 4 (4) countries and 40 (51) job seekers have acquired new skills and knowledge. - 5 (6) MEs have taken place, hosted by the above job seekers (except by EUD). 5 (4+several reels / carousels / posts on social media) promotional videos have been made. - 80% of the user (tester) feedback is positive (user feedback / empowerment questions were incorporated into the piloting of training course and the indicator was achieved). - Effective dissemination of the project goals, activities and outputs has taken place.