Training of Persons with Disabilities on Information and Communication Technology

DVV International in cooperation with the Kosovo Disability Forum (KDF) implemented the project ‘Training of Persons with Disabilities on Information and Communication Technology’.

70 persons with disabilities from various regions of Kosovo attended the training, which started in the last week of January and ended at the end of April 2020. KDF is an umbrella organization of eight non-government organizations dealing with the socio-economic integration of persons with disabilities in Kosovo: HandiKos, Kosovo Association of the Blind, Kosovar Association of the Deaf, Down Syndrome Kosova, HendiKep, ‘Dëshira’ Club, Autism Association, OPFAKKO. The main goal of the project was achieving the following objectives:

• Develop information technology and communication skills of 70 persons with various disabilities from different regions of Kosovo;
• Provide basic knowledge on using information technology and communication for persons with disabilities including deaf people, blind people, people with Down Syndrome, and paraplegic persons, following various training programs and techniques, specifically tailored for the above groups.  
• Promote employment opportunities and general social and economic integration of persons with disabilities;

All foreseen activities were implemented within the framework of four Kosovo Disability Forum member organizations: Kosovar Association of the Deaf, Kosovo Association of the Blind, Down Syndrome Kosovo, and HANDIKOS Kosovo.

The project started in the last week of January 2020, and most of the planned activities were carried out before the first case of the COVID-19 was recorded in Kosovo (March 13, 2020). The remaining (trainings) activities during the month of April were carried out online, using virtual platforms such as ZOOM and Skype.

All training participants have successfully completed the training program and have been awarded certificates by implementing organizations proving the achievement of basic knowledge in information technology and communication.

70 persons with various disabilities from different regions of Kosovo were direct beneficiaries of this project, while indirect beneficiaries were KDF member organizations which further hosted trainings on information technology and communication for persons with disabilities who will be able to further implement such training for other groups that have not been included in this project.

The implementation of this project raised the awareness among state organizations, responsible for the wellbeing and integration of persons with disabilities in Kosovo, promoting the importance of basic knowledge of information technology and communication, as a promoter of improving the lives of persons with disabilities towards achieving their goals for an independent life and wellbeing in Kosovo.