Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) remain one of the most vulnerable groups in society. Many face significant barriers due to inadequate school systems during childhood, leading to lower literacy levels and limited access to further education. To bridge this gap, adults with IDDs and their informal carers require tailored adult education support to empower their learning journeys.
Addressing the needs of adults with IDDs
Recognizing these challenges, the Erasmus+ INCLUSIVE-PATH (Continuing Education after Secondary School for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) project seeks to identify the needs of educators and staff in secondary and post-secondary settings and develop effective responses. The project is coordinated by the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), with partners including the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), Out of the Box (OtB), Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderen (KathOndVla), PH Salzburg, Amicos, and Emphasys. INCLUSIVE-PATH is designed to:
- Develop and expand resources and tools to support educators in secondary and post-secondary training settings.
- Strengthen the competencies of educators and staff through targeted non-formal adult education activities.
- Empower families and individuals with IDDs by providing essential resources and information.
- Enhance collaboration between education and training providers to facilitate smoother transitions into lifelong learning opportunities.
- Contribute to shaping more inclusive education policies.
Project kicks off in Salzburg
The project officially commenced with a two-day meeting on 3-4 February in Salzburg, hosted by PH Salzburg. During the event, partners discussed the next steps, with an initial focus on identifying transition barriers and specific educational needs. This first phase will include conducting focus groups and compiling country reports, ensuring that subsequent capacity-building tools align with the needs of adults with IDDs and those supporting them.
With a strong commitment to inclusive education, INCLUSIVE-PATH marks a significant step toward creating accessible learning opportunities for all. The collaboration between educational institutions, service providers, and advocacy groups will be instrumental in driving meaningful change for adults with IDDs across Europe.
Text: Charlotte Ede