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Summary of project results
The main problem was the lack of equal access for students with disabilities to the full range of support offers under the educational mobility of the Erasmus+ Program in Poland. In 2019, only 1.3% of students participating in mobility were students with disabilities. Key barriers included: Imperfection of systemic solutions (legal and financial) supporting the mobility of students with disabilities Insufficient support mechanisms (additional scholarship alone did not solve all problems). No access to assistant services in the host country. Difficulty finding available accommodation Low competences of university staff in serving students with disabilities Lack of comprehensive information tailored to the needs of people with various disabilities. Lack of automatic recognition of disability status and provision of reasonable accommodation at the host university Insufficient communication and cooperation between various stakeholders. The problem was particularly acute in the Podlaskie Voivodeship - a peripheral region, far from the main communication hubs, with poor transport infrastructure and a more difficult economic situation of households. For people with disabilities studying here, the prospect of going abroad was often unattainable, which deepened their exclusion and reduced their chances on the labor market. The project was intended to respond to these challenges through comprehensive activities: from the diagnosis of barriers, through the development of support standards, to advocacy and promotional activities increasing awareness of mobility opportunities among students with disabilities.
As part of the project, a comprehensive package of activities was implemented:
Strengthening the competences of Mobility+ Ambassadors: 40 hours of training were conducted for 7 students with disabilities (advocacy, self-presentation, intercultural communication), 42 hours of individual mentoring were completed. The ambassadors got involved in project activities and their own initiatives.
Mobility+ Observatory: In-depth research was conducted (desk research, 20 IDI interviews, 2 focus interviews). A report with recommendations regarding the mobility of students with disabilities was developed. A case study of foreign mobility was performed.
Mobility Standard+: Mobility+ Network established (15 regular members). Five meetings of the Network were held. The "MOBILITY+ STANDARD" was developed and tested at the University of Białystok.
Communication and promotion: The internet portal mobilnoscplus.pl was created. A photographic exhibition "The Other Half" was organized in the Podlaska Library. The Festival for Independent Living was held at the Municipal Stadium in Białystok. Systematic activities were carried out in social media
Institutional development: An Independent Living Center was established. A strategic development plan was developed. The premises have been equipped and opened Training was conducted for volunteers Cooperation was established with organizations and institutions.
The project brought tangible results for various groups of beneficiaries:
For students with disabilities: 6 young people with disabilities received comprehensive training and mentoring support. Their advocacy skills and knowledge about the Erasmus+ program increased. They became more confident and better prepared to take on leadership roles. They gained practical skills enabling active participation in academic life.
For universities: 8 university representatives developed skills in including the perspective of people with disabilities. 7 universities from the Podlaskie Voivodeship have established cooperation in the area of mobility. They received tools to better support students (Mobility Standard+). 3 universities started implementing the developed solutions.
For the wider community: 1,296 people took part in promotional events. The first Independent Living Center in the region was established. Social awareness of the mobility of people with disabilities has increased. Sustainable tools have been created (web portal, support standard).
Long-term effects: Cooperation mechanisms between universities and organizations have been created. PSON obtained financing for the Center until 2026. A support model has been developed that can be used by other universities. The organization''s capacity to further support people with disabilities was strengthened. The basis for systemic changes in the availability of mobility programs has been created. The project directly influenced the improvement of the availability of foreign mobility for students with disabilities in the region, while creating lasting solutions and increasing public awareness in this area.