Adapted Accessibility for All (3A)
Context
The rapid adaptation to the critical situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, disparities in technology access for both students and teachers, and the lack of knowledge and support within the teaching community were challenges that everyone had to face. Vulnerable children, vulnerable schools (such as special schools), and rural communities were the most affected by the sudden shift in the learning environment.
With this in mind, the idea of Adapted Accessibility for All took shape. We realized that teachers needed a set of digital competencies specific to their profession to leverage the potential of digital technologies for enhancing and innovating education, with a focus on including students with special educational needs.
Goal and Objectives
The project Adapted Accessibility for All (3A) is implemented by the Association Color Your Dreams – Romania, in partnership with the Inclusive Education School Center Târgu Jiu, Romania; Mustafa Asim Cula Ortaokulu, Turkey; Dr. Zlatan Sremec Special Elementary School, North Macedonia; and Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation, over a period of 24 months (March 2021 – February 2023).
The goal of the project is to promote accessibility and inclusion for students with special learning needs in quality online education, reflected in the project’s name – 3A (Adapted Accessibility for All).
Specific Objectives:
O1. Improve the skills of at least 120 teachers from at least 40 educational institutions across 3 partner countries in adapting teaching methods for mathematics, self-care, communication, and environmental exploration in secondary special education classes for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
O2. Incorporate newly adapted curricula for 4 subjects in secondary education into teaching design in at least 15 schools across 3 partner countries.
O3. Provide at least 120 educational institutions (special education centers, schools with special education classes, and integrated special education) with motivation and resources on how to adapt teaching methods for mathematics, self-care skills, communication, and language, and environmental exploration for students with special learning needs and mild to moderate disabilities.
Intellectual outputs
IO1 Designing curricula for 4 core subjects tailored for 2 categories of special educational needs (autism, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities) for secondary education. This includes developing methods, tools, and assessment methodologies for both special education and integrated special education classes, allowing teachers to instruct exclusively online.
IO2 Creating tutorials for teachers on the use of new teaching methodologies in special education and integrated special education settings.
