entrepreneurial skills

Abstract: 3D4DEAF, an Erasmus+ project, promotes job inclusion and entrepreneurship for deaf individuals through 3D printing and digitization. It provides accessible resources and facilitates international networking to connect students, youth, trainers, and entrepreneurs.

The world of work is often selective and may not fully embrace alternative perspectives, particularly those of entrepreneurs with disabilities. Deaf individuals encounter numerous barriers in finding places where their entrepreneurial ideas can flourish. It is essential to establish accessible environments, offering the necessary tools and resources, so their unique perspective can enrich society.

The Project 

The Erasmus+ 3D4DEAF project is an initiative aimed at transforming the training and employment integration of deaf individuals through the use of 3D printing. Co-funded by the European Union, 3D4DEAF unites eight international partners to develop inclusive and accessible vocational training tools and programs, opening up new opportunities in the digitized labor market. 

3D printing represents transformative potential in various sectors, offering deaf entrepreneurs unique opportunities for innovation and business development. Using 3D technologies and digital tools, the project aims to enhance the digital skills of deaf students and youth, preparing them for the challenges of future careers. With 3D printing facilitating comprehensive management of the creative and production process within their startup or enterprise, deaf entrepreneurs can tailor the production and work environment to suit their needs and perspectives.

Our Partners:

Guided by Społeczna Akademia Nauk (SAN), project coordinators, the 3D4DEAF consortium worked collectively to develop accessible tools and courses. Each partner brought their expertise:

• Fondazione Istituto dei Sordi di Torino ONLUS - Italy: Specialized in accessible communication for the deaf.
• A & A Emphasys Interactive Solutions Ltd - Cyprus: Designers of educational programs.
• Instituto Hispano Americano de la Palabra - Colegio Gaudem - Spain: Experts in deaf education and inclusion.
• European Digital Learning Network ETS (DLEARN) - Italy: Network focusing on digital education.
• Aintek Symvouloi Epicheiriseon Efarmogesypsilis Technologias Ekpaidefsi Anonymietaireia (IDEC) - Greece: Consultants in training creation.
• Stowarzyszenie Rozwoju “Pitagoras” - Poland: Providers of training and services for the deaf and disabled.
• High School Deaf HoH Thessaloniki - Greece: Offering VET educational pathways for the deaf.

Project Activities:

The first step in enabling access to the world of work is to provide accessible information and tools. Through mixed-focus groups of deaf students and VET trainers, valuable insights are gathered. The 3D4DEAF platform offers complimentary guides and services, empowering entrepreneurs to become digital experts and fostering innovative ideas within the Industry 4.0 landscape. To foster international networking among deaf individuals, an interactive Mapping Tool of European deaf organizations, training institutions, and entrepreneurs has been developed, detailing relevant seminars and events. Moreover, the platform provides more resources, like a glossary and consulting services to streamline communication and idea presentation.

Upcoming open-source tools on the project website include:

• An accessible guide on social entrepreneurship and 3D printing, featuring practical examples.
• An e-Community connecting deaf entrepreneurs, students, youth and trainers across Europe.
• An augmented reality educational game immersing students in an AR environment to learn social enterprise creation in Industry 4.0 sectors.
• Workshops and seminars hosted in schools, preparatory for study visits to social enterprises and Industry 4.0 establishments in each country.

The 3D4DEAF project remains committed to reducing barriers and enhancing the entrepreneurial and job prospects of deaf individuals.

In today's digital age, access to quality education and training is crucial for the empowerment and success of young individuals, particularly those who face barriers to employment. Recognizing this need, the consortium of ENTER project has announced the development of the ENTER e-Learning Platform. This dynamic and powerful tool aims to provide free access to comprehensive information, materials, and training programs, revolutionizing the way youth NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and other stakeholders engage with educational content and pursue their career goals.

The primary motivation behind the creation of the ENTER e-Learning Platform is to consolidate all project-related resources and materials in one organized and accessible location. This centralized hub ensures that all users, including youth people, workers, and individuals outside the partnership, can freely benefit from the vast range of content and training opportunities offered. The platform's scope extends beyond the project timeline, allowing continuous access to materials even after its conclusion.

The platform encompasses content modules, learning modules, evaluation modules, and communication modules, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. In particular the e-learning platform contains 12 webinars divided in two main fields: Digital Skills Webinars and Entrepreneurial skills Webinars. 

With the platform the material are available to other youth people or workers outside the partnership during the project, but also after the end of the project. Finally the platform offers many tools for evaluation of the partcipants and the ability to be reused, upgraded and personalized to other group needs in the future.

This platform integrated set of interactive online services that provide youth NEETs and others involved in the project (as youth workers) or interested about the topic, tools and resources to support the entrance of young people in employment and address demands of local communities or groups. In addition the platform supports content modules, learning modules, evaluation modules, and communication modules. 

Key Components and Features

1. Structured e-Learning Courses: Educational materials from Results 1 & 2 webinars will be adapted into structured asynchronous e-learning courses. By structuring the content in this manner, the platform enables continuous access to the materials beyond the project's duration, thereby enhancing the platform's sustainability.

2. Collaborative Connections: The ENTER e-Learning Platform aims to foster connections with other platforms and organizations working towards complementary goals. By establishing relationships with platforms such as Salto Youth, the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, Tinkercad, 3D Printing Industry, and Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, the ENTER platform expands its reach and offers additional guidance and resources to its users.

3. Accessibility and Inclusivity: The design of the e-Learning Platform adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). This commitment ensures that youth with disabilities can fully engage with the platform's content, removing barriers and promoting inclusivity. Furthermore, regular updates and the expansion of materials aim to increase the number of beneficiaries and the long-term sustainability of the platform.

The ENTER e-Learning Platform promises to revolutionize the way youth NEETs and other stakeholders access educational resources and training opportunities. By providing a centralized hub for information, materials, and training programs, the platform empowers young individuals to acquire essential skills, enhance employability, and contribute to the demands of their local communities. With its commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability, the ENTER e-Learning Platform holds the potential to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of countless young people around the world.

Check it out here: 
 https://enter-moodle.eu/

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is essential to bridge the gap between youth NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and the wider market. Recognizing this need, the Partnership of the ENTER project has devised a creative Digital Hub as the fourth result of the project. By implementing webinars and nurturing the growing creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the Social Entrepreneurial Digital Hub aims to connect, communicate, engage, and collaborate. This article explores the key features and objectives of this innovative platform.