Digitalization has transformed education, work, and social relations, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Improving digital skills through adult education was crucial to enhance job opportunities and resilience. However, adults with newly acquired disabilities faced significant challenges re-entering the workforce. Despite efforts across Europe, the pandemic disrupted adult education, particularly in Turkey, limiting resources for disabled adults, especially in non-metropolitan areas. This issue also affected EU countries. Our project aimed to strengthen public education centers and train adult educators specifically to support disabled adults. Previous programs did not address this group's needs, and in 2020, many applied for reintegration training, but no structured program existed. Our project developed tailored digital skills training materials, provided specialized training for educators, and emphasized comprehensive career counseling. Our goals were to enable adult education centers to actively support reintegration, improve access to training for disadvantaged groups, and enhance the capacities of adult educators.
We applied for this project to address the urgent need for reintegrating recently disabled adults into the labor market. Global financial crises and an aging population have increased unemployment rates, particularly among disadvantaged individuals. Adults who acquire disabilities face substantial barriers to employment, leading to long-term unemployment and social isolation. Over 30% of previously employed individuals with acquired disabilities lose their jobs due to their condition. Existing training and career counseling services in Türkiye and the EU focus primarily on medical aspects, neglecting the social and economic dimensions of workforce reintegration. Our project aims to bridge this gap by producing high-quality digital skills training materials and career counseling services tailored for adults who become disabled later in life. Enhancing digital competencies will improve their employability in an increasingly digitalized economy, aligning with the Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2030. In summary, our project addresses the urgent need for specialized training and career counseling for adults who acquire disabilities, fostering social inclusion and promoting equal opportunities.