The project aimed to empower two closely linked target groups: youth workers, often the first point of contact for mentoring and career guidance, and deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Its main goal was to increase the employability of deaf and hard-of-hearing youth, improve their labor market position, and foster independence, professional confidence, and social inclusion. For youth workers, the project strengthened their capacity to work with youth with hearing impairments through educational materials and targeted training, providing knowledge of the group’s specific needs, the impact of hearing loss on education and employment, and practical guidance for mentoring and developing employability and entrepreneurial skills. For deaf and hard-of-hearing youth, tailored online courses and resources enhanced skills, competitiveness, and awareness of career opportunities suited to their abilities, including self-employment and virtual assistance. The project improved understanding of youth needs, collaboration between the two groups, and mentoring practices, creating conditions to increase employability and strengthen labor market outcomes for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth.
The project was developed in response to the barriers faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing youth in the labor market, including long-term unemployment, underemployment, lower wages, inadequate workplace accommodations, and communication challenges. These difficulties are further compounded by the limited availability of educational resources tailored to sign language and specific communication needs, restricting opportunities to acquire new skills and reducing competitiveness. At the same time, youth workers and educators often lack the specialized knowledge, tools, and methodologies needed for inclusive practice and effective support, making quality mentoring and career guidance more difficult. The project therefore aims to address these challenges by creating accessible and tailored educational resources, empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing youth to participate more effectively in the labor market, and strengthening the capacities of the professionals who support them. Its goal is to promote equal participation and inclusion, enhance the skills and competencies of the target groups, and provide sustainable tools for learning and professional development.