Learning, Teaching and Training Activity in Italy
9–13 March 2026 | Pontecagnano Faiano, Italy
As part of the Erasmus+ project “EduZone – Inclusive Communication for All” (KA220-SCH), partners gathered in Italy, hosted by Istituto Comprensivo Statale Picentia, for an intensive Learning, Teaching and Training (LTT) activity focused on the practical implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in inclusive education.
This mobility represented a key milestone in the project, transforming theoretical concepts into real classroom practices and strengthening the professional competences of educators across Europe.
Experiencing AAC in real educational contexts
The first days of the mobility were dedicated to direct observation and experiential learning. Participants visited multiple educational levels – from infant and primary schools to secondary education settings – where AAC is actively integrated into daily teaching practices.
Teachers and specialists demonstrated:
- how AAC supports students with communication difficulties in real time;
- how visual symbols, structured routines, and assistive tools enhance participation;
- how inclusive strategies improve student well-being and engagement.
Participants observed classrooms where AAC was not just a tool, but a natural part of communication and learning, enabling students to express needs, emotions, and ideas.
From observation to practice
A central component of the LTT activity was the opportunity to learn directly from AAC experts and behaviour analysts, who guided participants through:
- practical demonstrations of AAC strategies;
- modelling techniques for inclusive communication;
- adapting activities to different learner profiles.
Working groups were formed to reflect on observations and begin adapting these practices to their own educational contexts.
Collaborative learning and innovation
The mobility also created a strong space for international collaboration. Through workshops and training sessions, partners:
- shared best practices from their countries;
- explored inclusive teaching strategies;
- initiated the development of Open Educational Resources (OER) aligned with the AAC curriculum.
This collaborative work directly contributes to:
- WP2 – AAC Curriculum development
- WP3 – Training of teachers and parents
- WP4 – Digital platform content creation
Beyond the classroom: cultural and social dimension
The experience was enriched by cultural visits to iconic Italian locations such as Paestum, Pompeii, and Salerno, offering participants opportunities to:
- strengthen intercultural understanding;
- build stronger relationships within the partnership;
- exchange ideas in informal learning environments.
These moments reinforced the human dimension of the project, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared European values.
Evaluation and future steps
The final day of the mobility focused on:
- evaluation of learning outcomes;
- reflection on the acquired competences;
- planning the next stages of project implementation;
- awarding participation certificates.
Impact and added value
The LTT activity in Italy had a significant impact on all participants:
- enhanced practical skills in using AAC in real classrooms;
- increased confidence in applying inclusive teaching strategies;
- strengthened collaboration between schools, NGOs, and specialists;
- contributed directly to the development of innovative educational resources.
Most importantly, this mobility demonstrated that inclusive communication is not only possible, but transformative—empowering students with special educational needs to actively participate, learn, and connect.
The knowledge and experience gained in Italy will be transferred to partner institutions, supporting the implementation of AAC at local, national, and European levels.
Through this shared journey, the EduZone partnership continues to build a future where every learner has a voice.
Kick-off Meeting in Romania – Building the Foundations for Inclusive Communication
Between 12–13 January 2026, the partners of the Erasmus+ project “EduZone – Inclusive Communication for All” (KA220-SCH) gathered in Buzău, Romania, for the official Kick-off Meeting, hosted by the Inclusive Education School Center (CSEI Buzău).
This first transnational meeting marked not only the formal start of the project but also the beginning of a meaningful collaboration among partners from Romania, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Germany, united by a shared vision: improving inclusive communication through AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).
A collaborative start: understanding contexts and needs
The first day of the meeting focused on building a common understanding of inclusive education systems and the needs of learners with communication difficulties. Participants explored the host institution through a guided visit, gaining valuable insight into real educational environments where inclusive practices are implemented daily.
A dedicated workshop provided space for professional exchange, where each partner presented their organisation, expertise, and previous experience in EU-funded projects. This exchange of perspectives allowed participants to identify both common challenges and innovative approaches in inclusive education across countries.
From vision to action: planning the project journey
A key moment of the meeting was the joint planning session, where partners worked collaboratively to:
- present and analyse the Work Packages and Gantt Chart;
- define the implementation methodology;
- distribute roles and responsibilities clearly among partners;
- identify potential risks and agree on mitigation strategies.
These discussions ensured that all partners share a common understanding of the project structure and expected outcomes, especially the alignment between:
- WP2 – AAC Curriculum development
- WP4 – Digital platform and mobile application
The day concluded with a creative session focused on the project’s visual identity, reinforcing team cohesion and shared ownership.
Strengthening implementation and accountability
The second day addressed essential operational and management aspects. Partners:
- signed official documents and clarified administrative procedures;
- presented strategies for recruiting target groups;
- participated in sessions on financial management, monitoring, and compliance;
- discussed logistical arrangements for upcoming mobilities;
- evaluated the meeting and defined next steps.
This structured approach ensured transparency, accountability, and readiness for implementation.
Impact and added value
Beyond its organisational role, the Kick-off Meeting had a strong impact on the partnership:
- It strengthened trust and collaboration among partners;
- It ensured coherence between pedagogical and digital components of the project;
- It created a shared vision for inclusive communication practices;
- It established a solid foundation for developing innovative AAC tools accessible to educators, learners, and families.
Most importantly, the meeting set the tone for a project that goes beyond formal cooperation – a project that aims to transform communication into a bridge for inclusion, participation, and equal opportunities.
With a clear roadmap, defined responsibilities, and a strong collaborative spirit, the EduZone partnership is now ready to move forward with confidence, working together to create impactful educational resources that support inclusive communication across Europe.
- Press article:
- Press article:
https://opiniabuzau.ro/foto-csei-buzau-gazda-a-unui-proiect-european-dedicat-educatiei-incluzive/