By implementing the Include3 project we wanted to achieve four core objectives. Objective 1: “Include³” Method A key goal was to develop and pilot the Include³ method—an inclusive, co-productive approach where counsellors, employers, VET specialists, and people with intellectual disabilities collaboratively align training content with market demands. Objective 2: Curriculum The project aimed to create a curriculum and educational resources that connect vocational education and training (VET) in sheltered workshops with individual strengths and aspirations of people with disabilities and real labour market needs. Objective 3: Piloting A third objective was the piloting of the curriculum, didactical resources and the Include3-method for generating practical insights and validating its adaptability. Supporting materials for course leaders and participants were produced to enable wider transferability. Objective 4: Webportal An interactive web portal was established as a one-stop platform for all project outputs, ensuring open access, sustainability, and continuous professional exchange.
Include3 addresses a persistent challenge: despite the legal and policy commitments under the UN CRPD (Art. 27) for inclusive labour markets, the vast majority of people with intellectual disabilities remain in sheltered employment throughout their working lives. Sheltered workshops have the assignment to prepare for the transition to the general labour market. Identified Needs Inclusive employment enhances autonomy, participation, and self-esteem among people with intellectual disabilities. Career guidance and counselling (CGC) plays a pivotal role in the transition process. There is a critical need for innovative, inclusive counselling and training methodologies that align individual capabilities and aspirations of people with intellectual disabilities with real labour market opportunities by networking of important stakeholders. Project Response: The Include3 Method and Curriculum The Include3 project directly responds to these needs through the development and implementation of the innovative Include3 Method counselling and training approach that empowers counsellors to facilitate sustainable transitions from sheltered workshops into the general labour market. The project fosters networks and empowerment by its results.