PROJECT “Accessibility Academy – Strengthening AGH’s capacity to support people with disabilities” under Measure 3.5 Comprehensive Higher Education Programs, Axis III Higher Education for the Economy and Development, Development of Knowledge Education of Operational Programs 2014-2020 - Call No. POWR.03.05.00-IP.08-00 DOS/19 announced by the National Center for Research and Development.
Project implementation period: from January 1, 2020, to September 30, 2023
Project value: PLN 13,207,720.90
Grant: PLN 12,811,487.90
“Accessibility Academy – Strengthening AGH’s Capacity to Support People with Disabilities” is a project that has been selected for funding under the “Accessible University” competition announced by the National Center for Research and Development. The AGH University of Science and Technology project will be implemented under the “maxi” track, proposing innovative and multifaceted activities that will significantly improve the situation of people with disabilities at the university.
The implementation of the project will aim to fully develop support systems for people with disabilities within the structures of the AGH University of Science and Technology. The plans for the next four years include five main areas of action.
Activities include the development and implementation of, among other things: an ICT-based navigation system for AGH buildings and grounds, particularly for people with visual and mobility impairments; a platform for remote support of students with disabilities; e-learning courses with instructional videos; and standards for architectural, digital, and communication accessibility. In addition, the project aims to improve the accessibility of websites in accordance with current WCAG standards, digitize and make educational resources available to people with special needs resulting from disabilities, and enable remote access to psychiatric consultations for staff regarding the acquisition of specialized knowledge used to support students with disabilities in crisis situations.
The representatives of the university's staff will gain knowledge, skills, and crucial awareness of the daily lives of people with disabilities. They will also learn the principles that should guide them in their daily work in the context of implementing the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in order to contribute to creating an environment of equal opportunities that enables active participation and educational opportunities for people with disabilities.
To increase the effectiveness of the planned project activities, a partnership was established with three non-governmental organizations active in the field of disability: Fundacją Instytut Rozwoju Regionalnego, Fundacją na Rzecz Osób z Niepełnosprawnościami and Stowarzyszeniem na rzecz równego dostępu "Twoje nowe możliwości".
The planned activities will directly result in greater accessibility of the university for people with disabilities and an increase in the competence of project participants to ensure equal opportunities.
The project is co-financed by the European Social Fund under the Development of Knowledge Education Education Programs of the Operational Program 2014-2020, Axis III: Higher Education for the Economy and Development, Measure 3.5: Comprehensive Higher Education Programs. The project is implemented in partnership with the following institutions: