Some studies indicate that 23.6% of students with disabilities have suddenly dropped out of school, nearly double compared to 11% of students without disabilities. While there are no unified data across Europe directly relating to dropout rates among students with disabilities, research by the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education shows significant variations in dropout rates between countries. Some countries have implemented policies to enhance inclusion and reduce dropout rates, but they face various challenges, such as a lack of support and adapted teaching methods.
Such data highlight the urgent need for action to improve education for these groups of individuals. The Simpl4All project was created to address this need by advocating for more support, adapted teaching methods, and the use of simple language. Simpl4All responds to the urgent need to improve Vocational education and training in Europe, as required by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Adopted in 2006, the Convention emphasizes the right of persons with disabilities to equal opportunities in all aspects of life, including education. Simpl4All is a decisive step towards realizing these rights and building a society accessible to all.
Language Adaptation in Inclusive Education
Inclusive education, based on respecting and fulfilling human rights, places the individual at the center of the educational process. A crucial tool for achieving inclusiveness in education is language adaptation. This means designing educational materials, instructions, and other information in a way that is understandable and accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities.
The Role of Adapted Language
Language adaptation plays a key role in social inclusion within inclusive education. Using language that facilitates easier understanding of information increases the accessibility of educational materials for all students. Simplified language not only eases the comprehension of complex concepts but also helps students feel accepted and included in the learning environment.
Key Features of Language Adaptation
Clarity is a fundamental feature of language adaptation in inclusive education. Clear instructions, short sentences, and explained concepts help students better understand the material and focus more easily on learning. Additionally, adaptations can include visual support materials such as images and formats accessible to students, like audio and video recordings, and repeating key concepts in various ways. This allows students with different learning styles to find the method that best suits their learning style.
Practical Ways to Improve Inclusion
Improving inclusion in education requires a holistic approach that includes structural changes in educational systems and changes in practice and culture within school communities. Some practical ways to enhance inclusion include:
1. Individualized Learning Plans: Developing individualized learning plans based on students’ strengths, interests, and needs.
2. Classroom Support: Providing additional support and adaptations in the classroom, such as teaching assistants, adapted materials, and the use of technology.
3. Peer Support: Encouraging cooperation between students with different needs and their peers without disabilities.
4. Teacher Professional Development: Offering professional training to teachers in inclusive pedagogy and the use of adapted technologies.
5. Parental Involvement: Engaging parents in the planning and implementation of educational programs.
6. Systemic Approaches: Increasing financial resources to support inclusive education and revising policies and legislation.
7. Raising Awareness: Conducting awareness campaigns on the importance of inclusive education.
Simplified Language Simpl4ALL and the Method of Easy-To-Read or Easy Language
The Easy-To-Read language method, Easy Language various and other forms of accessible language ensure that information is presented in a more understandable and accessible manner for students with different levels of reading ability and language needs. Practical strategies for using this method include:
1. Preparing Educational Materials in Easy-To-Read Language or in Easy Language.
2. Using Visual Support Materials.
3. Highlighting Key Words and Concepts.
4. Checking Understanding with Questions and Quizzes.
5. Using Simple and Clear Instructions.
6. Involving Students in Preparing Materials.
Conclusion
Education on adapting materials in Simle4ALL Language, Easy-To-Read Language or Easy Language and Plain Language is essential for greater inclusion and success of students with disabilities. By implementing the proposed improvements, we can enhance the accessibility and quality of Vocational education and training, contributing to a more inclusive society. The Simpl4ALL project has demonstrated that such adaptations are feasible and effective, making it crucial to expand and upgrade these practices in Slovenia and across Europe. Statements and experiences of experts and users of adapted materials confirm that the use of simplified language is key to achieving a more inclusive educational environment.
The use of Easy Language or other language adaptation not only increases the accessibility of educational content for students with disabilities but also promotes better understanding and participation among all students. This is a crucial step toward more inclusive and equitable educational practices.
Language adaptation in Vocational education and training ensures that all educational content is accessible and understandable to all students, regardless of their abilities. This not only improves the success of students with disabilities but also raises the overall quality of education.
For more information on Easy Language and adaptations that improve the accessibility and understanding of texts for various target groups, follow organizations and resources that offer guidelines, research, and practical advice for using these approaches. We recommend resources related to terms like accessible communication, Easy-To-Read, Easy Language, Spoken Easy Language (for Social Inclusion), Plain language, and other form of easily understandable language. Various organizations in different countries offer guidelines, research, and practical advice on using Easy language, striving for more inclusive and accessible education for all. Some also collaborate in project activities or networks like ELIN (Easy Language International Network), which can be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ELINnetwork.