DIG.I.T.ABLE - DIGital Inclusive Trainers for AccessiBLE Education

The EC has highlighted the importance of ICT for people with disabilities by promoting accessible online services and content, although the accessibility requirement only applies to web products/services. In the context of synchronous distance learning, accessibility requirements concern access to web platforms, content and activities. According to Cedefop, in order to ensure continuity of learning, trainers need digital competence, flexibility and creativity, and they need to acquire technical skills for online teaching (26% of trainers do not feel prepared - TALIS data). This need was and continues to be urgent for vocational training, which is crucial for retraining and reducing the digital divide. Interaction in teaching activities requires targeted planning and clear operational instructions. Distance learning must adapt to the learning process, building pathways based on the learners' needs, with a focus on accessibility, outcomes and infrastructure. Inclusive training programmes for people with sensory disabilities can increase labour market participation (unemployment rate for the blind/visually impaired in Europe 75%)

The project aimed to contribute to: - improve the alignment between vocational trainers' competences and labour market needs through new specialised digital skills and competences applied to accessible and inclusive e-learning - expand the job opportunities of vocational trainers through the acquisition of inclusive teaching skills enabling them to involve also groups of learners with special training needs - improve the attractiveness of online continuing vocational training for both learners and trainers through dynamic, interactive and engaging digital training approaches and tools - expand career opportunities for workers with sensory disabilities (visual and hearing) through increased accessible and inclusive online vocational training opportunities - increase the quality and impact of activities implemented by continuing vocational training organisations, through the exchange of good practices for planning and developing the inclusive e-skills of their staff, in order to reach an ever wider target of learners