The project.

The objective of this project is to enable autistic people with different support needs to access digital technologies, tackling an already existing digital divide which has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdowns.

The pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns have highlighted the difficulties to access digital technologies for autistic people, especially for those with intellectual disabilities. While some users have been able to benefit from training, online learning, care, support and online assistance, those without access to digital technologies have been further isolated and disconnected from their educational and care centres as well as from their service providers. As a result, the education and training of autistic people have been negatively impacted, resulting in a lower quality of life and personal development for autistic people and their families, who have been left unsupported during this period.

The inaccessibility of certain digital technologies for some is based on the fact that the tools themselves are not very accessible, a lack of training (for teachers, people with disabilities and their families), poorly tailored methodologies as well as a lack of technological resources. More specifically, digital tools are designed for the general population, without taking into account the accessibility needs of autistic people. Digital tools need to be adapted from the cognitive perspective, incorporating Easy-to-read materials, pictograms and graphic resources.

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Validation Report

To ensure the platform’s usability and effectiveness, we conducted a thorough validation process that involved gathering feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders, including Vocational Education and Training (VET) professionals, families, and autistic users. This validation phase was crucial for assessing the platform’s strengths and identifying areas for improvement prior to its final implementation. The validation process included multi-phased user testing, where participants interacted with the platform and provided structured feedback on usability, content relevance, accessibility, and overall user experience. This initiative took place across Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Serbia, emphasizing inclusive participation and co-creation principles. By prioritizing the voices and real-world needs of users, we aimed to shape a platform that truly meets the needs of the community.

For more details, please download the full Validation Report.

Quality Assessment Report

The evaluation process involved multiple phases and gathered comprehensive feedback from a diverse group of Vocational Education and Training (VET) professionals. This feedback is crucial for ensuring that the platform effectively meets its objectives and provides accessible, user-centered solutions tailored to the needs of autistic users.

By assessing the platform’s quality, we can measure its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement, all while emphasizing inclusivity and personalization. This report outlines the platform’s current status, highlights key areas for refinement, and lays the groundwork for its ongoing development, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of all stakeholders are considered.

For more details, please download the full Quality Assessment Report

Final Dissemination Report

This Final Communication Report offers an overview of the project’s dissemination strategy, key activities, stakeholder engagement, and impact assessment. It details how the project effectively communicated its objectives and outcomes to a variety of audiences, including educators, policymakers, families, and autism organizations.

Through a comprehensive and inclusive communication approach, IDEAL has played a significant role in raising awareness and promoting meaningful change in the realm of digital education for autistic people. 

For more details, please download the Final Dissemination Report

EXPERTS QUALITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

This report presents the findings from the quality evaluation of the IDEAL (Inclusive Digital Education for Autistic People Learning) project. The quality evaluation process was conducted in multiple phases, incorporating comprehensive feedback from a diverse group of Vocational Education and Training (VET) professionals.

This evaluation is crucial in ensuring that the platform meets its intended objectives and provides effective, accessible, and user-centred solutions tailored to the needs of autistic individuals.

For more details, please download the full report