GABI – GuArantee, Build and Innovate supportive learning environments for students with autism spectrum disorders

"<< Background >>The GABI project was created to address the need for improved inclusive teaching methods and environments for students with autism, working collaboratively with the school community and stakeholders.The identified need was to have an updated training program aimed at all members of the school community who are called upon to contribute to inclusiveness.The project has created a non-formal training program (YouTube channel) aimed at a wide range of members of the school community, such as TEACHERS, EDUCATORS, MANAGERS, SUPPORT TEACHERS (formerly ""third band"") recruited through MAD (Professional Development Assistants), and SCHOOL COLLABORATORS, recognizing everyone's important role in creating suitable and inclusive teaching environments. The project has created a ""Peer Learning Community"" via a WhatsApp channel moderated by project experts, where best practices and training opportunities on inclusive teaching methods and environments for students with autism can be shared.The project also created a network of stakeholders (CTI, ASL, teachers, educators, psychologists, etc.) committed to discussing new initiatives for the inclusion of students with autism.<< Objectives >>The goal of the GABI project was to improve the ability of ISCED 0-4 schools to create inclusive learning environments that foster growth and complement the therapeutic pathways of students with autism spectrum disorder.To this end, the project created a network of public and private entities at the EU level (Italy, Romania, Bulgaria) in continuous contact to exchange best practices, design new interventions on the topic, and produce training content aimed at improving the inclusion of students with autism.Through the creation of a PEER LEARNING COMMUNITY (A1), a virtual environment was created that was easily accessible to all interested parties and easy to use, both as users and creators of content related to the educational inclusion of students with autism (in the form of video clips, sharing of articles/research/teaching materials).The network created gave birth to the STAKEHOLDERS COMMUNITY (A2) made up of public and private entities that allowed the realization of events (seminars and working groups) on methodologies, materials and best practices for the inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorders.<< Implementation >>The project had two main activities:A1. GABI PEER LEARNING COMMUNITY (PLC): The aim of this activity was to create a community committed to promoting and enriching the training offered to school staff on the topic of the inclusion of students with autism. The PLC allows for easy access to training content, as well as the possibility of producing ""training pills"" and uploading materials relating to best practices, educational methodologies, and success stories regarding the inclusion of students with autism. To this end, a YouTube channel was launched with the content produced.A2. GABI STAKEHOLDERS COMMUNITY (GSC): The aim of this activity was to establish a community of stakeholders (associations committed to the inclusion of people with autism, schools, policy makers, experts, and school staff) at the EU level that will contribute to improving the level of educational inclusion of students with autism through a systemic and collaborative approach. The GSC has initiated working groups on issues related to the inclusion of students with autism, promoting discussion and sharing best practices in legislation, teaching, and therapy.<< Results >>Over 120 stakeholders are involved in the project as members of the PEER LEARNING COMMUNITY or the STAKEHOLDERS COMMUNITY. These include teachers, educators, principals, support teachers, school assistants, psychologists, and more. Community entities include: CTI (Italian National Institute of Health), Local Health Authorities (ASL), school inspectorates, volunteer associations, family doctors, ISCED 0-4 schools, and accredited/qualified institutions for continuing education for teaching staff.An e-learning platform (YouTube channel), a WhatsApp channel hosted and moderated by project partners on the topic of inclusivity, and a link with free training content on inclusive methodologies for students with autism spectrum disorders."