The first meeting of the DeafCitizen project took place on 19–20 September 2024, in the beautiful city of Brno in the Czech Republic. This event marked a significant step in implementing a project aimed at improving civic participation and inclusion for members of the Deaf community. Partners from three countries – Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Spain – came together to discuss the goals, activities, and expected outcomes of the project, which strives to bring positive change for Deaf individuals. During the meeting, participants communicated using International Sign Language and English, enabling effective collaboration among all partners.
The project involved six partners: Innosign, Teiresás, FCNSE (Federación de Personas Sordas de España), and three schools – C.E. Ponce de León from Spain, Spojená škola P. Sabadoša from Slovakia, and ValMez from the Czech Republic. This international teamwork brought together unique experiences and expertise, allowing for the realization of crucial project steps.
The meeting program spanned two days, during which key aspects of the project were addressed. The first day began with a warm welcome for the participants and an introduction to each partner. Every participating organization had the opportunity to present their experiences and contributions to the project. This was followed by a presentation of the DeafCitizen project itself, including its main goals, expected outcomes, and planned activities. An important part of the day was the discussion about the first work package, which included project management, defining target groups, and establishing success indicators. After a break, participants focused on the research component, a key part of the project, and began working on the initial drafts of the e-learning system. The first day concluded with a summary and a joint dinner, which provided an informal setting for exchanging ideas and strengthening partnerships.
The second day of the meeting was dedicated to creative discussions about the project’s upcoming work packages. Participants worked on designing a hybrid book, which was to be one of the project’s main outputs. This book aimed to combine text and visual elements to ensure accessibility and comprehensibility for Deaf individuals. They also discussed the creation of a specialized dictionary designed to bridge language barriers and support communication between Deaf individuals and the broader public. The meeting concluded with a general discussion summarizing all significant insights and agreeing on the next steps to ensure the project continued as planned.
The DeafCitizen project held great importance as it focused on solutions that fostered inclusion and active participation for Deaf individuals. Through the development of e-learning tools, hybrid books, and dictionaries, the project aimed to improve access to education and civil rights. The first meeting in Brno was just the beginning of this important journey, during which partners collaborated, shared their experiences, and implemented innovative ideas. The outcomes of this project were expected to contribute to improving the lives of Deaf individuals and creating new opportunities for their full inclusion in society. The meeting in Brno was not only a working session but also an inspiring moment that motivated all partners for continued successful collaboration.
