LearnIng OpportuNities on Digital and Employability sKills for Young Adults with Behavioural and Cognitive Disabilities

We applied for this project to address the challenges faced by young adults with behavioural and cognitive disabilities (AwBCD) during their transition from secondary education to employment. Our preliminary research revealed significant challenges and difficulties in this transition, including a risk of exclusion from society and the job market. We aimed to fill this gap by focusing on post-secondary and adult education, with a specific emphasis on digital and employability skills In particular LINK addressed the following needs of AwBCD: Have more and higher quality learning opportunities after secondary education; Increase their digital skills; Learn how to find a job, how to prepare for a job interview, how to handle emotion and communication at work; Increase their self-esteem; Get inspired and motivated to find a job LINK addressed the following needs of partner organizations: Increase and make the training offer more digital, innovative and tailored for AwBCD; Increase the digital competences of their staff; Have a chance to share and work together with like-minded adult educators; Increase the capacity to work at international level; Prompt policy makers to care and invest more on lifelong learning opportunities for AwBCD

The overarching objectives of the LINK project were centered around empowering individuals with behavioural disorders and mild cognitive disabilities (AwBCD) aged 19-24 to enhance their digital and employability skills, facilitating their active participation in society and employment. The project aimed to achieve this through a multifaceted approach, which included the development of innovative and flexible learning materials tailored specifically for AwBCD. These materials were designed to be gamified and digital, ensuring they were engaging and accessible for the target audience. Additionally, the project sought to empower adult educators working with AwBCD by providing them with the necessary training and resources to organize high-quality gamified and blended learning opportunities. Finally, the project aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders about the unique needs and potential of AwBCD, advocating for the adoption of inclusive educational practices. Through these efforts, LINK aimed to bridge the gap in post-secondary and adult education opportunities for AwBCD, ultimately fostering their integration into society and the job market

In order to prepare, support and follow-up on the creation of the two main Project Results, we implemented a series of activities aimed at achieving our objectives: Open Web Conference on Gamification and Game-Based Learning (GBL): This conference provided insights into the principles of gamification and GBL, showcasing how these techniques would be applied in our project. Additionally, it served as a platform to present our project to a wider audience. Awareness Campaign (AWC): We conducted an awareness campaign publishing local success stories of individuals from our target group. These stories were then compiled and featured on a dedicated website page, providing inspiration and showcasing the social media impact of our campaign. Training for Associated Partners: Partners were trained on LINK methodologies and activities conducted within each country of the partnership. This training ensured consistency and alignment across all partner organizations and preparation for the Testing. Local Testing: Implementation of the curriculum with the target group took place in ES, BG, LT and PT, within associations working directly with the target group. This hands-on testing phase allowed us to refine and tailor the curriculum to meet the specific needs of the participants. Three Transnational Project Meetings (3TPM): Held in IT, PT and BG, these meetings facilitated collaboration and decision-making among partners, allowing for the exchange of ideas and progress updates.

The concrete outputs and results of the LINK project were two main deliverables aimed at improving digital and employability skills for individuals with behavioural disorders and mild cognitive disabilities (AwBCD), as well as supporting the educators working with them. These outputs included the development of LINK Blended Adult Education Course comprising five modules in six languages, incorporating gamification and game-based activities to enhance digital and employability skills for AwBCD. Additionally, a LINK handbook on digital and gamified learning activities was created to assist adult educators in effectively utilizing the course materials. The project also produced micro-credentials awarded to 40 AwBCD upon completion of local adult education courses skill units, along with corresponding graphic badges. Various presentations were conducted on gamification and digital learning, and evaluations were conducted to gather feedback from participants and educators, contributing to the refinement and improvement of project outcomes. Promotion and dissemination efforts included activity reports, financial reports, and articles. A project website was established to showcase progress and results, while a Community of Practice in EPALE was formed to facilitate collaboration on innovative learning opportunities for AwBCD. Furthermore, implementation plans were developed to ensure the successful execution of project activities and enhance capacity for managing similar European projects in the future, as outlined in the Work Breakdown Structure, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, Dissemination Plan, and Sustainability Recommendation Plan. What’s more, the partnership produced a website page gathering success stories, after posting them in the partner’s channels as an awareness campaign during the life of the project, thus allowing visitors to explore a collection of inspiring narratives featuring young adults with cognitive and behavioral disabilities who have achieved success in the job market.