Educational innovation initiatives

Through educational innovation initiatives, IMPACTsci collaborates across Europe to reimagine education and inclusion for neurodivergent communities.

European projects

STEAM Forward European project logo

STEAM Forward (Empowering Educators to Inspire Future Careers) is an Erasmus+ cooperation partnership in school education that aims to strengthen STEM/STEAM teaching and career guidance in schools. More specifically, the project equips teachers with innovative teaching methods, digital skills and practical resources to support students, particularly girls and under-represented groups, in developing future-ready competences. To this end, it brings together five organisations from Bulgaria, Greece, Spain and Portugal, coordinated by the Prosveta-Sofia Foundation. It also includes an international training mobility, national workshops, a pilot programme with 150 teachers and the creation of the international STEAM Career-Edu network. As a result, the project brings education closer to labour market needs and fosters a generation of teachers who act as STEAM ambassadors.

The project’s main result is the STEAM Forward Training Course, a 60-hour, 2 ECTS course made up of four interactive modules. It comes with teaching resources for educators, such as lesson plans, hands-on activities and gamified scenarios. The course is freely available in five languages on a MOOC platform with a repository of interactive tools, and participants who complete it receive a micro-credential.

IMPACTsci develops Module 4: Inclusive Strategies in STEAM. This module tackles gender gaps and stereotypes in STEAM education, fostering diverse and inclusive learning environments through mentoring and hands-on engagement. Furthermore, as a neurodivergent-led organisation, IMPACTsci applies the principles of Universal Design and cognitive accessibility. In this way, it ensures that the project’s activities and outputs meet diverse cognitive, sensory and learning needs and align with EU disability inclusion policies. IMPACTsci also leads the project’s dissemination, taking responsibility for the visual identity, social media management, the final event in Lisbon and tracking the project’s reach.

JOY

JOY (Job skills and career Orientation for Youth inclusion) is an Erasmus+ cooperation partnership in the youth field. It aims to close the gaps in access to career guidance for young people in vulnerable situations, including NEETs, neurodivergent youth, migrants and other disadvantaged groups. More specifically, the project promotes inclusive, low-pressure career guidance and the development of career management skills. Furthermore, it strengthens the capacity of youth professionals to support diverse profiles with tailored methods.

The project also includes training 20 Master Trainers and 80 youth workers, engaging 300 young people and running a European good practice contest.

The project’s main result is the JOY Platform, an accessible, multilingual digital platform that complies with WCAG 2.1 standards. The platform hosts a gamified career course with five modules, built on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and aligned with the European LifeComp framework. The course includes short subtitled videos, interactive exercises with instant feedback and a no-failure learning system with supportive hints. In addition, it features an ethical AI career assistant, available 24/7, that simplifies labour market information. Alongside this, the project develops a 30-hour certification programme for youth workers in inclusive career guidance.

IMPACTsci leads the project’s inclusion strategy. In this role, it ensures that accessibility and UDL principles are embedded across all outputs and activities, and it reviews all materials for neurodivergent accessibility. Furthermore, IMPACTsci leads the training methodology across the five countries, including selection criteria, ethical protocols for working with young people in vulnerable situations and evaluation tools. It also develops the “Being Me” module, which focuses on diversity, resilience, productivity and self-advocacy and builds on the neuroaffirmative approach of the ACTIVATE project.

WELDIFY European project logo

WELDIFY is a European initiative building the future of welding for the circular economy. More specifically, by focusing on Circular Material Welding (CMW), particularly in the construction and automotive sectors, the project aims to train over 5,000 learners, including people with disabilities. To achieve this goal, it delivers an inclusive, digitally supported curriculum aligned with ECTS and ECVET standards.

In this context, IMPACTsci, as a neurodivergent-led inclusion expert, leads three strategic areas.

First, we are designing the EQF-7 inclusion module for the EIT-compliant CMW toolkit. In addition, this module equips educators and trainers to better support learners with disabilities through equity-based methodologies. As a result, the training approach becomes more accessible, more consistent, and more inclusive.

Next, we are developing the inclusive HMI toolkit for learners. More specifically, this toolkit covers HMI and assistive technology for employees with disabilities, as well as adaptable interfaces and inclusive UX. Furthermore, it addresses Universal Design principles and an equity-by-design approach. It also promotes the co-creation of tools with disabled workers. Consequently, the toolkit highlights how inclusive HMI can improve safety, productivity, and wellbeing.

To achieve this goal, WELDIFY delivers an inclusive, digitally supported curriculum aligned with ECTS and ECVET standards, positioning the project among leading educational innovation initiatives in circular welding training.

Finally, IMPACTsci is responsible for overseeing the project’s quality assurance framework. In particular, this role ensures that all outputs meet high standards of accessibility, scientific rigour, and educational excellence. Therefore, quality and inclusion remain embedded throughout the project.

ACTIVATE European project logo

ACTIVATE, Autistic Community through Advocacy, Learning, and Empowerment, is an Erasmus+ project and one of our educational innovation initiatives focused on fostering the empowerment and visibility of autistic youth across Europe.

In this context, as a neurodivergent led educational innovator, IMPACTsci leads the development of the ACTIVATE Autistic Advocacy Academy. As a result, this digital learning space enables autistic youth to build the tools, confidence, and skills needed to advocate for their rights and influence policy at local, national, and European levels.

First, we lead curriculum development using a non formal education approach. In addition, we apply a Learning Outcomes methodology aligned with EU frameworks. Furthermore, we design OERs, or Open Educational Resources, that are accessible across languages. Consequently, the Academy offers a more inclusive and adaptable learning experience for autistic youth across Europe.

At the same time, project partners host interactive initiatives that strengthen visibility, participation, and peer connection. For example, these include #AskAnAutistic Q and As, #MyAutismJourney storytelling, Autism Acceptance Month campaigns, and a growing European Community of Practice for autistic youth. In turn, these activities promote cross border peer exchange and amplify lived experience as a form of knowledge and leadership. Ultimately, ACTIVATE is a platform for autistic leadership.

SHIFT European project logo

SHIFT is an Erasmus+ project focused on strengthening the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the implementation of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.

More specifically, the project’s main innovation is the development of the ESG Impact Index Open Access Platform. In practice, this platform helps HEIs assess, implement, and monitor ESG practices. To support this objective, the platform is grounded in a research phase on ESG policy and practice. In addition, it includes a co developed ESG Impact Index Matrix, micro learning modules, awareness raising activities, a Certification Program for HEIs demonstrating ESG leadership, and a gamified learning experience through the University ESG Awareness Serious Game.

In this context, as a partner specialising in inclusion and systems equity, IMPACTsci leads key components of the Social dimension of the ESG Impact Index.

First, we contribute to the development of indicators related to inclusive education policies and DEI practices. In addition, we address support structures for marginalised students. Furthermore, we contribute to measures focused on socioeconomic equity and affordability initiatives. At the same time, we support the implementation of universal design and accessibility practices. Finally, we also address childcare and family inclusive services. As a result, this area promotes a more equitable and accessible higher education environment.

IMPACTsci contributes to the wellbeing dimension of the framework. More specifically, this includes mental health and wellbeing support structures, as well as campus safety and security strategies. Consequently, the project reinforces the importance of social sustainability within ESG implementation in higher education.

To support this objective, SHIFT combines research, digital tools, and educational innovation initiatives that help HEIs assess, implement, and monitor ESG practices.

Finally, IMPACTsci is responsible for overseeing the project’s quality assurance framework. In particular, this role ensures that all outputs meet high standards of accessibility, scientific rigour, and educational excellence. Therefore, quality and inclusion remain embedded throughout the project.

In collaboration with ISQe, IMPACTsci also co designs the University ESG Awareness Serious Game. In doing so, we help ensure accessibility, participation, and engagement for diverse learners. Therefore, the game not only raises awareness of ESG issues, but also supports inclusive learning across different learner profiles.

COHESION European project logo (monochrome version)

COHESION is a European project focused on closing the gap between the private sector and disabled and neurodivergent students. More specifically, the project works to advance inclusion in employment by strengthening connections between education, business, and lived experience.

The project seeks to build systems that connect employers with neurodivergent and neurotrauma affected students. In addition, it aims to raise the competences of company staff so they can better support vulnerable graduates. Furthermore, it works to improve employability through tailored training. At the same time, it contributes to normalising inclusive employment and promoting awareness of social integration. As a result, COHESION supports more inclusive and effective transitions into the labour market.

As an Associated Partner, IMPACTsci supported the project’s research phase. More specifically, we contributed to the semi structured interviews designed to identify key barriers and opportunities related to inclusive transitions into work. In doing so, we helped strengthen the project’s understanding of how education, employment, and lived experience can be better connected. Consequently, this contribution supports the development of more responsive and inclusive pathways to employment.

CHARLIE European project logo

CHARLIE is an Erasmus+ project focused on challenging bias in the big data used for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, promoting ethical and inclusive approaches to technology education.

More specifically, the project builds ethical AI competences across different audiences, so they can recognise and reduce algorithmic bias. To this end, it has developed a blended learning Algorithmic Bias course (EQF6) for higher education, an Ethical AI micro-credential (EQF4) for adults in lifelong learning, and a toolkit to support training. It also offers a gamified learning experience for young people through the Unraveling Algorithmic Bias serious game (EQF2).

To achieve its goal, CHARLIE developed a set of learning resources tailored to different educational contexts. First, it delivered an EQF Level 6 e learning course for Higher Education. In addition, it created an EQF Level 4 microcredential for Adult Education. Furthermore, it developed an EQF Level 2 serious game for youth learners. As a result, the project provides accessible and engaging learning opportunities across multiple levels of education and training.

As a recognised expert in inclusive digital transformation, IMPACTsci was invited as an Associated Partner to contribute to CHARLIE’s mission in two key ways. IMPACTsci provided specialist feedback and insight on learning materials developed across all levels. In particular, this contribution focused on accessibility and neurodivergent inclusion. Consequently, the learning resources were strengthened through a more inclusive and equity informed perspective.

In addition, at the CHARLIE International Summit, IMPACTsci moderated key sessions and delivered a keynote presentation on how neurodivergent perspectives are reshaping responsible tech design. More specifically, this contribution highlighted the value of cognitive diversity in ethical AI. As a result, IMPACTsci helped bring inclusion, innovation, and responsible technology into closer dialogue.
As a result, IMPACTsci helped strengthen educational innovation initiatives that connect accessibility, employability, and responsible technology.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

National projects

EDP Foundation logo, supporter of the Rodas da Inclusão project

Rodas da Inclusão (Wheels of Inclusion) is a national project that teaches autistic and other neurodivergent children to ride a bike. It is promoted by Cenas a Pedal and supported by the EDP Foundation through its Energia Solidária programme. More specifically, the project builds on the Pereira & Santos method for inclusive cycling instruction and expands it with psychomotor and occupational therapy concepts and techniques adapted to neurodivergence, using a neuroaffirmative approach. To this end, it brings together a partnership of associations, specialists and researchers with complementary expertise. The project will train 25 new instructors, with placement courses in five districts (Lisbon, Setúbal, Porto, Faro and Santarém) reaching around 300 neurodivergent and neurotypical learners. This project makes learning to ride a bike more accessible and promotes the autonomy, mobility and participation of neurodivergent children.

The project’s main result is an instructor training programme in adapted cycling instruction, accompanied by a handbook published as an e-book. The programme combines the systematisation of the Pereira & Santos method with practical tools in communication, psychomotor skills and occupational therapy. It also includes a certification system for new instructors. In this way, the model can be replicated and scaled beyond the project’s lifetime.

IMPACTsci is responsible for the project’s evaluation. In this role, it develops the evaluation plans for the training courses and their impact. It also creates the data collection and analysis tools, such as questionnaires, observation grids and interview guides, and analyses the data gathered by the partners. Furthermore, it provides consultancy on the development of the training programme and handbook, validating the learning outcomes, methodology and training materials. It also carries out the final review of the project’s content to check its neuroaffirmative language and scientific grounding. Finally, IMPACTsci supports the project’s communication and creates the awareness materials for the Energia Solidária events.

Logos of the Interactive Technologies Institute, LARSyS and Instituto Superior Técnico, partners of IMPACTsci Academy

IMPACTsci Academy: Accessible Knowledge Platform for the Neurodivergent Community and Organisations is a project selected under the “Collaborations with Communities” open call of the Interactive Technologies Institute (ITI/LARSyS). This initiative supports community-based organisations that use digital technologies to drive positive social change. The project focuses on data rights and data sovereignty and starts from one central question: how do we move from learning about digital rights to making informed decisions and actively taking part in seeking out and creating alternatives? More specifically, the goal is to empower neurodivergent people to make informed decisions about their data and to imagine and build alternative digital futures.

The project’s main result is an online learning offer on data rights and data sovereignty, designed for neurodivergent people. It is asynchronous, lets each person learn at their own pace and presents content in multiple formats, with scope for personalisation. It also includes interactive tools, whose formats are still being explored, such as platforms, serious games or gamification.

The project is developed as a collaboration between IMPACTsci and LARSyS – Instituto Superior Técnico, bringing together the knowledge of the neurodivergent community and academic research in interactive technologies. In this context, the collaboration involves students and researchers in exploring, developing and evaluating the interactive tools. In this way, the community’s lived experience guides both design decisions and research.