By implementing EmpowerTech, we aimed to achieve three complementary objectives: - Identify and understand barriers that prevent young people with Down syndrome from accessing inclusive, high-quality education and training—especially in technology-related learning and map existing opportunities and good practices in the partner countries. - Strengthen the capacity of youth workers and educators by providing a structured training pathway and practical resources on inclusive methodologies (tinkering, basic coding, and mentoring/support schemes), enabling them to design and deliver engaging learning experiences for young people with Down syndrome. - Empower young people with Down syndrome with technology and electronics-related skills, through a blended learning programme supported by an accessible web platform, in order to improve self-esteem, participation, autonomy and employability perspectives. Overall, we wanted to develop and test a transferable model and set of tools that can be reused by organisations working in the youth and disability fields, contributing to more inclusive digital education and youth work practices.
We applied for EmpowerTech because, across our organisations, we repeatedly met young people with Down syndrome who are highly motivated to participate in learning and community life, but face limited access to training that is both inclusive and relevant to today’s digital labour market. Opportunities in STEM and technology are often not adapted to their learning profiles, while youth workers and educators frequently lack structured, evidence-based methods and accessible tools to teach digital and “maker” skills. The project addresses these needs by first mapping barriers and existing opportunities, then equipping youth workers/educators with practical methodologies (tinkering, basic coding and mentoring approaches) and finally offering young people with Down syndrome a blended learning pathway in electronics-related activities supported by an accessible web platform. Through transnational cooperation, we aimed to strengthen autonomy, self-confidence and employability, and to provide a transferable model that supports the Erasmus+ inclusion and diversity priority by reducing inequalities in access to quality learning.