Policy Context and Legal Framework

The Serbian Government Ministry of Labour and Social Policy who funded this initiative, launched a strategy to span from 2007 to 2015. The Strategy for Improving the Position of Persons With Disabilities, embarks on two year action plans and hopes to integrate marginalised people in Serbia. This project was launched by the IAN, in response to this new government employment strategy. This aforementioned Strategy develops objectives, and programmes in many areas including employment to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. The Law on Prevention of Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities, emphasises the Republic of Serbia's developing policy on equal opportunities. The legislation attempts to regulate any measures that will support the equality and participation of disabled people in society.

  The project was also influenced by the National Poverty Reduction Strategy, which encourages employment in Serbia. Every person possible whether hearing-impaired or not should be enabled to integrate professionally into society. Equal opportunities for all and greater social cohesion were the main goals for the deaf and hearing-impaired students who participated in this project. These students, as hearing-impaired individuals form part of an increasingly marginalised group within Serbia and in particular Belgrade. IAN as part of their general strategy promotes the ideas of equality, tolerance and respect above all else. They aim to achieve this by using the newest methods available in educating their beneficiaries, which are on a par with the rest of Europe. ECDL certificates were issued as part of the IT classes given to the 24 hearing-impaired students. The IAN policy of dedication to beneficiaries is clearly shown throughout this project, by the use of committed sign language interpreters at each class, and also that three successful students have now become ECDL testers and will continue to work within IAN by teaching further candidates.

Implementation and Management Approach

The project aimed to educate and empower hearing-impaired individuals in the professional environment. In order to achieve these goals, the focus was on two key aspects: IT skills and social skills geared towards employment. IT skills were taught through intensive training classes and ECDL certification was made available for those who wished to acquire an internationally recognised measure of their IT competency.  To further empower the beneficiaries with the social skills necessary to gain employment or further their careers, interview skills classes were also taught. Classes were undertaken with the assistance of a sign language interpreter. ECDL certificates provided the basis for the IT skills. Social Skills classes taught how to write CVs properly, and how to apply for jobs via the Internet. In total, 296 classes took place during this project, with 17 ECDL certificates being awarded to successful candidates. Basic entrepreneurial skills were also taught to those people who wished to open their own businesses.

Technology solution

The IT skills were taught using the ECDL certification programme. Sign language interpreters were present during each class to ensure understanding and learning ability. Students learned about the skills needed for everyday use of computers at home and at work. Courses and exams included the use of the most popular software packages Windows and Office. The ECDL Certificate allows students to have an internationally recognised skill to add to their portfolio.

Impact

The beneficiaries of this project i.e. students with hearing disabilities have all achieved and surpassed the expectations set out at the beginning of the project. The impact on their personal lives is apparent through real testimonies. A young participant, Milan Kabiljo, was extremely satisfied with the effect that the classes and training have had on his life - Milan now feels that he will be able to find a job much easier and faster using the skills he has gained. The highly-trained teachers, relevant curricula and good learning conditions all contributed to this feeling of satisfaction with the project. In addition, the project also benefited already employed hearing-impaired people who felt that the project helped them to progress in their careers. The project's success in awarding over a dozen ECDL certificates shows educational programmes that offer training and certification, are of great benefit to disabled and marginalised people. Without the correct resources, marginalised groups, such as disabled people, will continue to exist in a vicious cycle of depending on others and will not be able to gain employment.  

Track record of sharing

The Serbian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy provided finanical support for this project, together with Microsoft Serbia Financial. Milena Banović, Junior Adviser, for the Sector for Protection of People with Disabilities within the previously mentioned Ministry, sees the project as a model for professional empowerment. The project has created favourable conditions for social integration of hearing-impaired and deaf people in Serbia. Banović also commented that this project has been significant because it is proof of successful cooperation between different organisations to work together, that is, the IAN and the Association of Deaf and Hearing-Impaired People in Serbia. The project also proves with the involvement of these different organisations both private and governmental that, cooperation is key in ensuring equal access to education and employment for marginalised citizens. The vicious cycle, of poverty and social exclusion that many people with different disabilities may experience can be improved greatly, when different organisations come together in similar projects like the IAN have successfully implemented.

Lessons learnt

• "Equal Opportunities for all" is a goal that can only be achieved when all members of society are included and given the education to become full members of society.
• Empowering disabled people, such as in this case, on a professional level is one way of breaking the vicious cycle that persists where usually disabled people are marginalised.
• With the correct tools, such as sign language interpreters, it is important to realise that deaf and hard of hearing people can learn life-long skills, and succeed in mainstream society.