International co-operation
Inclusion Initiative for Lifelong Learning started
Inclusion Initiative aims to examine how successful the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) has been in supporting disadvantaged groups and how the programmes could be made more inclusive. Read more about Inclusion Initiative.
Higher Education Accessibility Guide (HEAG) will be updated
HEAG database offers information resource for students with disabilities who are considering HE study aboard possibilities. The goal will be to review, revise and update the current HEAG database of information. The HEAG database will be updated by the end of 2009. The project will be coordinated by The European Agency for Development in Special Needs Education and all Agency member countries nominate an expert to work on project activities. The coordinator of ESOK project Hannu Puupponen represents Finland.
Nordic co-operation in HEIs' accessibility work has begun
The disability coordinators of HEIs in Nordic countries established a network in Oslo in April 2008. The participants were unanimous in establishing a network and formulating a constitution of the network. The objective of the co-operation is to promote the exchange of expertise and experiences between the HEIs in Nordic countries in order to provide equal opportunities to study for disabled students. The first Nordic conference Bridging the Gap will be held in Stockholm in March 2009.
Equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in Bologna Process
The objective of the conference "From Bologna to Bruges and far beyond, Equal opportunities for persons with disabilities" held in Bruges on December 1st - 4th 2008 was to prepare a memoradum in order to inspire the next Bologna Process ministerial conference Leuven/Louvain-la-Neuve Communiqué regarding the topic of studying with disabilities. The objective is to promote inclusive practices and equal opportunities of disabled students in european HEIs'. The members of the Finnish delegation were Maija Hirvonen, Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, Anne Kanto-Ronkanen, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Paula Pietilä, University of Turku, Hannu Puupponen, University of Jyväskylä.
European HEIs' accessibility work in spotlight in Vilnius
The accessibility work in HEIs in 11 European country was presented in ”Empowerment and participation of people with disabilities: inclusion in Higher education and employment” conference in Vilnius 29.09 - 02.10.2008. Student unions and disability associations from all over Europe, especially from Baltic countries, appeared very active. Hannu Puupponen from ESOK project was there to represent Finland.
