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Design2Freedom5 June 2024

The Design2Freedom Project’s Inaugural Training

Empowering Inclusive Education through Person-Centered Design

In a significant step towards promoting inclusive education, the first transnational meeting and training of the Erasmus Plus-funded project, “Design2Freedom: Promoting Person-Centred Design Applied to Disability in Higher Education,” took place from May 29 to 31, 2024, in Madrid. The event brought together 25 participants from five entities, aiming to enhance the incorporation of Person-Centred Design (PCD) in higher education.

Event Highlights

The event’s agenda included activities designed to foster learning and collaboration among partners’ representatives and associates:

Person-Centered Model Exploration: The participants visited the COCEMFE Foundation Residence, where they engaged in insightful discussions with the social worker, residents, and volunteer staff with disabilities. This session highlighted practical applications of PCD.
Breaking Stereotypes and Myths: An engaging game focused on debunking myths and stereotypes about women with disabilities. This was followed by an inspiring session featuring a university woman with disabilities, who shared her experiences and challenges, providing a real-world perspective on the issues discussed.
Workshops about Design Thinking: Participants took part in workshops focused on design thinking principles, encouraging creative problem-solving and innovation in developing inclusive products for people with disabilities.
Workshops about Inclusive Teaching Methods: The event included workshops on inclusive teaching methods, aimed at equipping educators with the tools and strategies to create more accessible and supportive learning environments for all students.
Technical Workshops on Inclusive Design with 3D Printer: Hands-on technical workshops were conducted on inclusive design using 3D printers. Participants learned how to leverage 3D printing technology to create assistive devices tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

In preparation for the training session, participants completed an initial MOOC course available on the COCEMFE platform. This course provided a foundational understanding of Person-Centered Design (PCD) principles, equipping participants with preliminary knowledge essential for the hands-on activities and discussions during the event.

Outcomes and Future Prospects

Thanks to this training session, the Design2Freedom project is now closer to achieving its main objective. Participants gained valuable insights and practical knowledge that will enable them to promote the incorporation of PCD in higher education more effectively. This, in turn, will foster a more inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities.

EducationLearningMeetingsNEWSProject Management

Design2Freedom3 March 2024

Kick-Off Meeting of the Design2Freedom Project: A Collaborative Step Towards Inclusive Education

Launching a European Initiative to Advance Person-Centered Design in Higher Education

Last February, the Design2Freedom project, a European initiative aimed at promoting Person-Centered Design (PCD) in university education, held its inaugural meeting in Lithuania. Coordinated by the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE) and funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ program, this project strives to enhance the design of products for people with disabilities by integrating PCD principles into higher education curricula.

Project Overview

Running until May 31, 2026, the Design2Freedom project brings together five entities from across Europe:

COCEMFE (Spain): Lead coordinator, specializing in disability management, person-centered design, and inclusive education.
Universidade da Coruna (Spain): Contributing with university actions and scientific expertise in assistive technologies.
Vilniaus Kolegija (Lithuania): Participating through university initiatives and educational programs.
Creative District (Belgium): Offering social innovation, event organization, and collaborative communication.
Technicka Univerzita v Kosiciach (Slovakia): Bringing experience in assistive technologies and education for students with disabilities.

Kick-Off Meeting Highlights

Held from February 29 to March 1, 2024, the first transnational meeting of the project partners was a significant first step. This initial gathering provided a platform for participants to identify and share key concepts integral to the project’s success, including:

The Social Model of Disability: Understanding disability as a societal issue rather than just a medical condition.
Universal Accessibility: Ensuring that environments and products are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation.
Assistive Technologies: Exploring innovative tools and devices that enhance the independence and capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Person-Centered Design: Focusing on the needs, preferences, and experiences of individuals with disabilities in the design process.
Participatory and Inclusive Methodologies: Implementing collaborative approaches that involve both teachers and students from various disciplines in the learning process.

Collaborative Planning and Milestones

The meeting also served as a planning session, where the project partners unified their timelines, milestones, and guidelines. This collaborative effort ensures that all entities are aligned and working towards common goals, fostering a cohesive and effective project execution.

Looking Forward

The Design2Freedom project is set to make significant contributions to higher education by promoting inclusive and participatory design practices. By involving a diverse group of educators, researchers, and innovators, the project aims to create a more accessible and empowering learning environment for students with disabilities.