Political education and empowerment for deaf citizens

Summary

Deaf people are recognised as a linguistic and cultural minority. This project addressed the limited access to education, training, and continuing education opportunities for people with hearing impairments within the European educational landscape, particularly in adult education. It supported the political and general education, as well as the personal development, of deaf individuals, thereby contributing to the broader goal of building a more inclusive European society. 

“Working together under the premise of fighting for equal and barrier-free education for adult deaf people has - apart from the project results - contributed to justice in the educational landscape, social cohesion and an active sense of citizenship.”  

Topic(s) addressed 

• Common EU Values
• EU identity
• Participation in democratic life
• Intercultural competences critical thinking
• Media literacy 

Target group(s)  

• Hearing-impaired and deaf people with an interest in further education (and pedagogical skills)

Methodologies used 

Teaching staff and learning content delivered in a country’s own sign language are still largely unavailable. Existing programmes are often made accessible only through sign Teaching staff and learning content delivered in a country’s own sign language are still largely unavailable. Existing programmes are often made accessible only through sign language interpreters, and the content is rarely tailored to the specific needs and lived experiences of the sign language community. This project stands out for its innovative approach, offering individualised and highly relevant learning content co-designed with the community itself. It features direct, peer-led instruction by deaf educators - delivered in the learners’ native sign language - ensuring full linguistic accessibility and an equal, culturally sensitive learning experience. 

Innovation environment 

The project produced a series of sign language videos that addressed current political and social events, offering clear explanations, well-researched background information, and specific references to the deaf community. In addition, specialist vocabulary was collected, translated into national sign languages, recorded, and shared, mainly via online platforms and social media, which serve as easily accessible learning environments. 

Teachers’ role 

Teaching staff who teach in the country’s own sign language are not yet available. Attempts are being made to make existing programmes accessible through the use of sign language interpreters. 

The direct method of teaching by a member of the peer group (deaf people), combined with delivering lessons in their native sign language, ensures 100% linguistic accessibility and provides an inclusive, equal learning experience. 

Impact and output 

The project has enhanced language learning on both a quantitative and qualitative level. On the one hand, learning was delivered on equal terms for the first time. The fact that members of the peer group themselves designed, created, recorded, and shared the materials resulted in a significant increase in quality from the target group’s perspective, as the content was barrier-free and tailored to their needs. On a quantitative level, teaching improved in both local and national contexts, as the wide reach achieved through sharing via messenger and social media channels allowed many more people to be addressed and reached. 

Learn more about the project