Peers for Inclusion - Open Learning Platform

The project aimed to address the social exclusion faced by young people with disabilities. Studies show they often experience rejection and isolation due to different misconceptions and prejudices...

The goal of the project was to enhance the social inclusion of young people with disabilities by implementing peer-led online workshops using digital tools for experiential learning. To achieve this, we aimed to develop an improved program to combat discrimination against young people with disabilities, addressing identified needs, weaknesses, and threats. We recognized that traditional experiential learning methods couldn't be directly adapted to online platforms, requiring a distinct approach. Therefore, we collaborated with partners to devise a solution combining dedicated methods for online experiential learning with our peer-to-peer approach. The objectives we set were the following: 1. Develop a dedicated online resource and learning platform for EU organizations to enhance accessibility and combat ableism among young people. 2. Enable at least 24 youth and youth-serving organizations to include young people with disabilities in socio-educational activities. 3. Increase youth work participation among young people with disabilities by at least 50 individuals. 4. Address manifestations of ableism among local young people, impacting a minimum of 360 individuals.

The activities implemented in the project were the following: 1. Transnational meetings - organised in Bulgaria (mid-term meeting) and in Slovenia (final evaluation meeting). 2. Multiplier events - organised in all partner countries, except Belgium. 3. LTTA - 3 learning mobilities were organised; C1 and C2 took place in Arad, Romania, while C3 took place in Volos, Greece. 4. Local workshops organized in Bulgaria, Slovenia, Greece and Romania after both C1 and C2. 5. Research/ need analysis - organised by each partner following a pre-established plan; it was done using methods such as: focus groups, interviews, online meetings etc. Net Cleaner also conducted a market study on online learning platforms. 6. The creation of the T-kit methodology - all partners brought their contribution by producing materials (written, audio, video etc), methods, instruments which were either bran new or adapted to the online format. 7. The creation of the platform - the design of the platform was Net Cleaner's task, while populating it with relevant content laid in the attribution of all partners. The platform's content was also translated in all partner languages. 8. Promotion of the project - done both online and offline by all the partners.

The project's main goal was to create an educational program to tackle discrimination based on disability and foster inclusion among young people. This was realized by the creation of the online platform which is a free and easily accessible tool. In order for the platform to contain relevant and useful information, research and a needs analysis was organised before getting started. The methodology was also created as easily comprehensible as possible based on the partners experiences and good practices. Partners used their knowledge to create new training methods and instruments and also found innovative ways to adapt the already existent methods to the online teaching format. All content was later translated in each partner's language. Through local workshops, the project aimed to reduce ableism manifestations in 70% of participants and enhance the impact of youth organizations. Additionally, it sought to empower young people for active engagement in their communities. Such workshops were organized in all partner countries, except Belgium and were very well received by the respective communities. By using digital tools, the project addressed challenges such as group dynamics and online learning skills. It resulted in a comprehensive training program for peer trainers and youth workers, promoting inclusive behavior and accessibility in youth work. The project also established two networks of certified individuals to further disseminate its outcomes and promote inclusivity.