DEAF AWARENESS PROJECT
EMPOWERING THROUGH TRAINING
ABOUT
The Deaf Awareness Project aims to enhance inclusivity for deaf individuals across Europe by raising awareness among non-deaf professionals. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, this initiative brings together educational centres from Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Italy, with the shared goal of promoting a deeper understanding of deaf culture and the challenges faced by the deaf community.
A central aspect of the project is the development of a deaf awareness training for non-deaf adults working in the public sector, companies, and non-profit organisations in these four countries. This training is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate with and support deaf individuals in their respective fields.
Committed to staying at the forefront of deaf awareness, the project integrates contemporary research and best practices into its approach. The comprehensive workshop will provide participants with practical insights into deaf experiences, communication strategies, and ways to foster inclusive environments, ensuring workplaces and public spaces become more accessible.
By empowering non-deaf professionals with the tools to create more inclusive settings, the initiative seeks to drive meaningful change in how deaf individuals are perceived and supported across various sectors. With the collaboration of partners in Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Italy, this project aspires to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
team
Our team, comprised of members from Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, and Portugal, is dedicated to supporting non-deaf professionals in fostering inclusion and improving communication with the deaf community.
We bring together diverse expertise from fields such as education, health, administration, social work, and deaf culture to offer practical tools and insights. By working collaboratively, we aim to empower professionals and create a more inclusive and accessible society for all.
Silviya Chapkanova
Expert
Silviya is an expert in sign language teaching and deaf education. As president of the Listen Up Foundation in Bulgaria, she is dedicated to empowering deaf families and strengthening deaf communities. Her work focuses on promoting sign language fluency and improving communication between deaf and hearing individuals.
Pedro Mourão
Expert
Pedro is the executive coordinator of Associação Portuguesa de Surdos and an expert in deaf advocacy and administration. He specialises in advancing deaf rights, promoting inclusion, and enhancing communication and access for the deaf community in Portugal.
Ine Martens
Expert
Ine is working on her PhD at Heriot-Watt University in the UK and teaches Deaf Studies at Empoway in Belgium. An expert in disability justice, feminism, and queer studies, she is dedicated to advancing inclusive practices and enhancing understanding within the deaf community by incorporating a critical analysis of gender and disability.
Alexander Ivanov
Expert
Alexander is a leading expert in the deaf community in Bulgaria, specialising in raising awareness among non-deaf professionals. He is also a linguistics researcher pursuing an MA at Gallaudet University. His extensive experience and international connections are key to fostering effective understanding between deaf and hearing individuals.
Mariana Couto
Expert
Doctor Mariana is Portugal’s first deaf medical professional and a prominent expert in health awareness for the deaf community. She is dedicated to improving healthcare access and communication between deaf individuals and non-deaf professionals, ensuring more inclusive and effective healthcare practices.
Timothy Rowies
Coordinator
Timo is a leading advocacy expert and recognised activist for his transformative human rights work with diverse communities across Europe. As the executive coordinator at Empoway, he is dedicated to advancing inclusive education, promoting social change, and spearheading impactful initiatives to create a more equitable society.
