Inclusive Digital Education for Autistic People Learning

The IDEAL project was born from the urgent need to reduce the digital divide affecting autistic individuals with lower cognitive levels, especially in Vocational Education and Training (VET) conte...

The main objective of the IDEAL project was to reduce the digital gap faced by autistic individuals—especially those with lower cognitive levels—by improving their access to inclusive digital tools in VET contexts. We aimed to develop an accessible, user-friendly, and cognitively adapted online platform (R1) that would allow users to navigate digital environments more independently. In parallel, we designed a practical and personalised training methodology (R2) to guide families and professionals in using these tools effectively. We also sought to empower professionals with a new assessment tool to evaluate and select appropriate applications for each user profile. Beyond the creation of resources, the project aimed to foster co-creation, validate tools with real users, and promote sustainable, open-access solutions. Ultimately, we wanted to improve the quality of digital learning experiences, strengthen inclusion, and ensure that autistic individuals could benefit equally from digital education and training opportunities across Europe.

The IDEAL project was structured around three key phases: co-creation, development, and validation. We began by establishing mixed national groups composed of autistic individuals, families, and professionals. These groups participated in a large needs analysis involving 452 respondents, which helped define cognitive accessibility and usability criteria for the platform. Based on this, we developed an accessible and multilingual digital platform (R1), a structured training methodology (R2), and a repository of evaluated applications. We also created an additional tool to assess the suitability of digital resources—an unexpected but highly valuable result. Activities included compiling and testing apps, designing tutorials, and organising a learning activity where participants validated both main results. Quality was ensured through continuous internal evaluation and ethics monitoring. The project also included intensive dissemination, with 4 local multiplier events, a final European conference, and presentations at national and international forums, ensuring broad impact and visibility.

The IDEAL project produced two main intellectual outputs and several additional high-impact results. First, we developed an accessible digital platform (R1), specifically adapted to autistic individuals with lower cognitive levels. It includes a repository of evaluated apps, a secure login system, a personalised interface, and an internal communication tool. Second, we created a training methodology (R2) for families and professionals, including multilingual video tutorials, personalised learning itineraries, and practical guidance to support users in digital environments. In addition, we developed a standardised tool to assess the suitability of digital applications for different user profiles—an unexpected but highly valuable outcome. All results were co-created and validated across four countries, with the participation of autistic individuals, families, and VET professionals. Outputs are available in five languages (Result 1 in six), published under a Creative Commons licence, and supported by a sustainability plan, quality and validation reports, and strong dissemination across local, national, and European levels.