DEAFVOC: Sign Languages and European Written Languages in Virtual Vocational Education for the Deaf

DEAFVOC is a Leonardo da Vinci language competence project, funded through EU. The project started 1^st of October 2003 and lasts for three years.

The aim of the project is to develop language teaching in vocational education of the deaf by utilising information and communication technology and that way promote equal educational opportunities of the Deaf.

Outcomes / Products

In the beginning of the project a survey of the current situation of vocational training of the Deaf in European Union countries will be made. A report of the survey will give information to be used in the project dissemination as well as in informing different stakeholders of the project.

During the project, standard model curriculums, "Sign language as a Mother Tongue" and "Written Language as a Second Language for the Deaf" will be created, as well as virtual demo teaching material to be placed in the net.

A transnational course is organised for the trainees of the teachers. During the course trainees from project partner countries will learn how to utilise curriculums and teaching materials as well as Teacher's Guides, which are also produced during the project.

All products are been produced in Czech, English, Finnish, German, and Greek. Teaching materials also in national sign languages of each partner country.

Target groups

Target groups of the project are teachers and deaf students in basic, further and post-experience vocational education as well as authorities responsible of curriculums and the deaf organisations advocating deaf issues in Europe.

Partner countries

Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece