From Idea to Impact - An Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps Project Lab for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and organisations

You have a great first idea for a youth project and would like to apply for funding through Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps? You need support in developing your project idea and finding the right funding format for it (youth exchange, participation project, youth workers mobility etc.)? You want to address or involve Deaf or hard of hearing persons? 

This Project Lab has been designed for organizations that support or work directly with Deaf and hard of hearing young people, work on international youth work and volunteering, and are interested in getting information on how to apply for funding for Youth Exchanges, Youth Workers Mobilities, Youth Participation Activities or Solidarity Projects. We also welcome public and private organizations who want to explore accessible and inclusive opportunities in Erasmus+ Youth, Sport and European Solidarity Corps programs. 

What to expect: 

• Project Development: Discuss and begin shaping ideas for inclusive projects that support Deaf and hard of hearing youth in international volunteering or youth work. 
• Learning & Sharing: Discover successful practices, discuss common challenges, and find practical solutions to enhance accessibility in your projects 
• Networking: Share your work, and explore ideas for collaboration under Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. 
• Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Insights: Understand how Erasmus+ and ESC can support your project ideas, address common challenges (like communication barriers), and learn about funding options for individual requirements, accessibility and support measures. 
• Language and accessibility: The working languages are International Sign and English, with captioning provided. Participants with individual accessibility needs may attend with an accompanying person. The event is open to anyone who meets the criteria outlined under “Who can join.” Please contact us to discuss any individual accessibility requirements. 

Who Can Join?  

• Individuals from and for Deaf and hard of hearing persons working or looking to start working with Erasmus+ Projects.  
• Organisations from and for Deaf and hard of hearing persons working or looking to start working with Erasmus+ Projects.   
• The Person taking part in the Project Lab should be responsible for the application and/or implementation of the project in their organisation.  
• Youth workers (persons who work with youngsters on a regular basis in an organisation or an informal group).  
• Representatives from other public or non-public organisations interested in inclusive international youth work with Deaf / hard of hearing young people.    

A maximum of 25 participants can join, with full commitment to the event required.  

Practicalities:  

Arrival on 03rd of February 2027 at 19:00 CEST. Departure on the 07th of February 2027 after breakfast.  

Onboarding Session (for newcomers) – 28 January, 16:00–17:30 (zoom). More information will be sent with the selection letters.  

If you need individual support to attend this Project Lab, please mention this in your application.   

We will try look for the best solutions to arrange the support that you need. In case you have a question, or you are not sure if things can be arranged for your needs, you can contact Carlos Gauna Vargas at the email address: / (International Sign / Austrian Sign Language) 

The event is organised within the framework of the Strategic Partnership for Inclusion (SPI) – a coordinated approach of 21 Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps National Agencies (NAs) and the SALTO Inclusion & Diversity Resource Centre. Its aim is to involve more organisations working in relevant fields for inclusion & diversity, as well as to reach out to organisations working with or interested in working with the EU youth programmes in an inclusive way and to increase the participation of young people with fewer opportunities in the Erasmus+ Youth programme and the European Solidarity Corps. Specifically, it aims to provide a space for organisations of and working with deaf and hard of hearing young people to support their networking and creation new projects under Erasmus+ and ESC.