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Launch of IDEA: a new project for inclusive design and empowerment of people with disability

The new year has brought an exciting beginning with the IDEA project—Inclusive Design Empowerment Action! On January 23rd and 24th, representatives from six European organizations gathered in a snowy Sandefjord, Norway, to officially launch this innovative initiative.

Led by Norwegian organization Fønix AS, the IDEA project unites a dynamic consortium from across Europe:

Over the next 24 months, this collaboration will work to empower people with disabilities by:

  • Equipping adult educators with creative, digital-oriented teaching methods.
  • Enhancing digital, creative, and entrepreneurial skills for people with disabilities, opening new personal and professional pathways.
  • Developing a European training model to support people with disabilities in becoming “digital makers.”

The IDEA project integrates FabLabs and organizations specializing in adult education for people with disabilities. This initiative aims to foster smart manufacturing skills, empowering people with disabilities to become digital artisans (makers) by equipping them with manual and digital expertise, fostering creativity, expanding job opportunities, and promoting social inclusion.