Description:
The ServiceAble – Innovative Solutions for Inclusive Employment of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Persons in Tourism and Hospitality project, funded by the ESF+ Social Innovation+ Initiative, aims to promote equal access to employment for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Through innovative digital tools, specialised training programmes and collaboration with businesses and institutional stakeholders, the project seeks to strengthen participants’ professional skills and support the development of more accessible and inclusive working environments.
ServiceAble addresses the barriers that continue to hinder the employment inclusion of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, including communication difficulties, limited accessibility to vocational training and the lack of appropriate workplace accommodations. By combining technological innovation, skills development and the active involvement of employers, the project aims to bridge the gap between training and employment, contributing to a more accessible and inclusive European labour market.
Activities:
The project focuses on the implementation of specific actions:
- Research and Co-Creation of Solutions: Investigation of the needs and barriers faced by Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in tourism and hospitality, alongside collaboration with relevant stakeholders to design appropriate and practical solutions.
- Development of Digital Tools: Design and development of the SIGNmate digital toolkit and related technological tools to improve accessibility and communication in the workplace.
- Training and Skills Development: Design and delivery of training programmes and frameworks incorporating virtual reality technologies and blended learning methods, tailored to the needs of beneficiaries and industry professionals.
- Engagement with Employers and Businesses: Strengthening the involvement of tourism and hospitality businesses to promote inclusive recruitment, training and employment practices.
- Development of Policy Recommendations: Organisation of dialogue and consultation activities with relevant public authorities, employment services, employer organisations and other stakeholders to formulate recommendations for improving access to employment.
Results:
- SIGNmate Toolkit: Development of an innovative digital toolkit designed to facilitate communication and interaction between Deaf and hearing people in the workplace, supporting accessibility in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
- Training Programmes and Virtual Reality (VR) Simulations: Development of training approaches combining digital tools, blended learning methods and experiential learning, with the aim of strengthening the professional skills of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and better preparing them for workplace requirements.
- Enhancing Accessibility in Businesses: Provision of knowledge and practical tools to employers and professionals in tourism and hospitality, enabling them to adopt more accessible procedures, improve workplace communication and promote the equal participation of employees with hearing loss.
- National Roadmaps for Inclusive Employment: Development of recommendations and guidelines to strengthen the employment inclusion of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, taking into account the needs of businesses, employees and relevant stakeholders.
- Policy Recommendations and Institutional Dialogue: Promotion of cooperation between businesses, organisations, social partners and public authorities to identify effective practices and integrate accessibility into employment and vocational training policies.
Partners:
- Athens Lifelong Learning Institute, Greece (Coordinator)
- CESIE ETS, Italy
- Silversky3D (SLVS), Cyprus
- CSI – Center for Social Innovation, Cyprus
- INOVA+, Portugal
- InterAktion, Austria
- Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Bulgaria
- Famagusta Regional Board of Tourism (ETAP), Cyprus
More Information
Date of the Project:
2026 - 2028
Funding programme:
ESF+ Social Innovation+ Initiative (European Social Fund Plus – Social Innovation+)
Tags:
ESF+, Social Innovation, Inclusive Employment, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People, Accessibility, Tourism and Hospitality, Digital Innovation, Virtual Reality, Vocational Training.
Contact:
info@athenslifelonglearning.gr, spanagiotou@athenslifelonglearning.gr