Expanding the scope of accessibility, the level of openness and universality of the University of Silesia is the main objective of the DUO project launched by the University. The undertaking involves the development of innovative tools to enhance the educational process, as well as the improving the process of making organisational, infrastructural, and institutional changes.
The greatest advantage of the initiative is its comprehensiveness. Multidirectional support will be implemented for academics and management and administrative staff working with students with all types of disabilities, especially those with holistic and mental disorders.
“DUO project – University of Silesia – accessible, universal and open” is a three-year project, which includes in its activities cooperation between external experts, university staff, and students. The tasks have been divided into 6 complementary areas:
- Raising the competencies of the University of Silesia staff with regard to accessibility.
As part of this area, trainings on various subjects related to accessibility as well as training and study visits are planned. Teaching competencies of the University staff will be improved in terms of innovative teaching and IT skills and their use in the educational process, teaching based on the idea of inclusive education (400 people), and management competencies of managerial and administrative staff regarding accessibility (200 people).
- Increasing accessibility of the University of Silesia – organisational changes.
Interdisciplinary teams will be established to work on the development and implementation of procedures ensuring universality and accessibility. Among other things, procedures will be prepared and then implemented to take into account the principles of accessibility and universality in different areas of operation of the University and its cooperation with the environment. Instructions for adaptation of curricula regarding accessibility will also be developed.
- Improving the educational process with regard to accessibility.
The key task in this area is related to the establishment of an accessibility support centre which will be accessible to employees dealing with various areas of the University’s operation.
- Improving accessibility within the University of Silesia.
The most important element in this area, as well as in the whole project, is the creation of “quiet rooms” in the buildings of the University, where students who have difficulties in participating in classes together with the group will be able to go. Using streaming, they will be able to participate in classes remotely. There are also plans to improve accessibility in certain university buildings.
- Implementing assistance technologies increasing independence.
Particularly noteworthy in this area is the “Mobile Assistance Application”, which will contain the most relevant information related to accessibility and the so-called “Panic Button” allowing users to request an emergency intervention group in case of dangers related to various difficult situations. An “Internal Navigation System” will also be created within the scope of assistance technologies to make it easier to move around the buildings and the immediate surroundings of the University.
- Establishing the Universal Design Centre.
This will constitute the conclusion of the project, and will allow the acquired knowledge, competencies, and skills to be used to make all future activities carried out at the University accessible to all groups within the University, regardless of their needs and capabilities.
Media on the project (accessed 15.05.2020):
Project information:
Financed by: Operational Program Knowledge Education Development.
Project value: PLN 14,501,850.44
Co-financing amount: PLN 14,066,794.92
Implementation period: 01 December 2020 – 30 September 2023
