Digital participation of people with disabilities in vocational training
For people with disabilities, digital technologies can break down barriers and facilitate access to vocational training. At the same time, however, these technologies create new risks of exclusion. In this project, an interdisciplinary team explores the opportunities and challenges of digitalization for people with disabilities.
Project description
What factors promote or hinder the digital participation of people with disabilities, also called e-inclusion, in vocational training and continuing education? In order to answer this question, the research team will collect and analyse data on various perspectives, including those of people with disabilities and educational institutions.
The project will address the following five topics:- What factors influence the digital participation of people with disabilities in vocational training and continuing education?
- What is the extent of the digital participation of people with disabilities?
- How do education providers assess the digital participation of people with disabilities?
- How do vocational training organisations implement e-inclusion for people with disabilities?
- What measures and recommendations can be derived from the results of this research?
Background
Studies have shown that digital technologies facilitate access to lifelong learning and thus to the world of work. However, for people with disabilities, digitalisation in vocational training and continuing education also entails risks of exclusion. A look at theory, empiricism and practice shows that there is a knowledge gap with respect to the digital participation of people with disabilities in vocational training and continuing education in Switzerland. This study aims to close this gap.
Aim
Our goal is to identify barriers to digital participation of people with disabilities in vocational training and continuing education, as perceived by these individuals as well as by experts and educational organisations. In a second step, we will develop measures to reduce these barriers, and will present them in an exemplary plan of action, in collaboration with at least one education provider.
Relevance
This project
- closes an important research gap and pinpoints the barriers faced by people with disabilities with regard to digital participation in vocational training and continuing education;
- makes an important contribution, through recommendations and an action plan, to the successful integration of people with disabilities into working life;
- contributes to the implementation of the legal mandate for equal treatment of people with disabilities as well as of international agreements.
Original title
E-inclusion of people with disabilities: Digital participation in vocational and professional education and further training in Switzerland.