E-Learning for teachers, caregivers, and families

The platform was launched in September 2015 and is available (as of 2016) in English, French, Spanish, and Romanian. It offers four training modules (with a total of 400 hours of learning), which are especially targeted towards those working and living with persons with disabilities, such as teachers, caregivers, and families.

Problems Targeted

The designers of the project noted that there was a lack of adequate training opportunities for people working and living with young and adult persons with disabilities, especially those with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and mental health disorders. Particularly in low-income countries, caregivers and practitioners often do not have the possibility to achieve or get access to qualification measures concerning work with people with disabilities.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The E-Learning platform, which is cost-free and accessible throughout the world via the Internet, consists of four training modules: one that is a generic module and three that deal with specific age groups. The generic module describes situations of persons with disabilities and allows users to develop an understanding of the difficulties these people face every day, as well as allowing them to raise questions. This module also provides case studies that highlight issues related to specific contexts, for example, at the workspace or in an educational setting, in which the objective is to decontextualize each case and provide knowledge that can be used in other instances. Furthermore, it provides information about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; historical aspects and key concepts of inclusion; the evolution of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, which are international classification systems; knowledge about different types of disorders and what to do, for example, observing situations and identifying elements that foster or hinder inclusion; and how to respect differences and overcome prejudices and, in turn, how to the share these values when it comes to working and living with people with disabilities. The other three modules contain information about various aspects of inclusion and participation of individuals, divided into three age groups (0–3, 4–16, and 16+) in various areas of social life. The modules use such materials as case studies, videos, role playing, forums, and chats. A learner’s guide is available to help users navigate the four modules.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Plans are in place to translate the content into at least two more languages: Arabic and Japanese. In addition, subtitles will be embedded into the videos that are used on the platform. Given the transparency of the development process, the project can be transferred to other contexts. And since the website is accessible all over the world, the modules can be translated into any other language.