On 2 June, Arkhe hosted The Big Thing in Toledo, Spain – a lively event that marked the conclusion of the ACT-YOU project. It brought together representatives from regional institutions, partner organisations, trainers, and participants to reflect on the outcomes of the project.
The event highlighted the impact of the initiative on both individuals and organisations. A key takeaway was the increased understanding of accessibility, not only in terms of specific participant groups, but also in recognising individual needs, group dynamics, and how to foster inclusive participation in mixed settings.
It was also an opportunity to present two new sets of guidelines aimed at making youth work and non-formal education more inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities.
These guidelines are the result of a collaborative effort between Arkhe (Spain), Zavod Odtiz (Slovenia), and VIEWS International (Belgium). They draw on the practical experiences, insights, and discussions that took place throughout the project, responding to a growing need for clear and structured tools to support inclusion.
There are two versions of the guidelines: one developed for trainers, facilitators, and youth workers; the other created for institutions and organisations responsible for hosting and running training activities.
Both provide practical recommendations and hands-on strategies. They offer ideas on how to improve learning spaces, adapt materials, and manage group dynamics in a way that takes into account the varied needs of young people with different abilities. The aim is not only to make learning settings more accessible, but also to support active participation, dialogue, and shared experience in mixed groups.
By encouraging the use of these inclusive approaches, the guidelines support a broader goal: to help create professional learning environments that are genuinely open, fair, and welcoming to all.
