We wanted participants to acquire knowledge about tools and practical applications for the contribution of digital media in ensuring and upgrading the quality of life (QoL) of learners and in ensuring the rights of people with disabilities and their more active participation in social and work life as foreseen in the UNCRPD. We wanted participants to gain knowledge about how technology is used in education and training of learners with disabilities. Also to learn about tools (digital and non-digital) and practices that contribute to improving the QoL of learners and empower them to assert their rights and to participate in social life. In addition, for the knowledge gained to be used to support staff to adapt and enrich their training programs with new methodologies and approaches and to create accessible learning material related to improving QoL, to constructive use of free-time and to obtaining information about recreational activities and digital services for people with disabilities.
The project “Quality of Life Improvement and Empowerment of young adults with disabilities through Digital Technologies” was a short-term job shadowing mobility of staff in vocational education and training. The continuous professional development of staff is of high priority at Theotokos and encouraging participation in European projects helps staff to come into contact with European perspectives and ways of thought. Participation in this mobility activity provided the opportunity to staff who cannot take part in KA2 projects or other trainings organised by European organisations due to language barriers and to availability. The focus was on observing the way technology has been integrated in the hosting organisations so as to obtain knowledge and to enrich their vocational education and training programs. Particular emphasis was on how technology contributes to improvement of the quality of life of the learners and how asserting and protecting the rights of people with disability is encouraged in daily practice. Theotokos is a non-profit foundation providing vocational education and training to teenagers and young adults with developmental intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.