Green Enough: Educational program to raise ecological behaviour through an inclusive methodology using Augmented Reality Technology

<< Background >>The fight against climite change is crucial for all. A lot of studies observe that disabled individuals exhibite lower levels of environmental awareness and commitment, coupled with reduced consumption efficiency compared to socially integrated citizens. However, they also consume fewer environmentally sensitive resources than the general population. Individuals living in dependent care or at home with regular assistance from caregivers are less likely to demonstrate environmentally friendly practices. Ploes, ARCIL, and Eudajmona, organisations with extensive experience in supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (D.D./I.D.), identified this issue and acknowledged the importance of taking action. They concluded that the most effective approach was to provide targeted education for mental health professionals, equipping them to train their beneficiaries effectively. Additionally, they focused on improving the competence of the mental health professionals, producing quality and cerftified materials. After thorough research, a combination of traditional and digital materials was deemed the optimal solution, followed by relevant learning, teaching, training activities and piloting sessions.<< Objectives >>The Green Enough Project successfully enhanced the ecological awareness and behaviours of beneficiaries with D.D./I.D, as the main priority was the fight against climate change. It achieved this by developing a detailed educational program for professionals working closely with these individuals and empowering them in more effective and tailored teaching methods, which aligns with the priotity of improving the competences of adult education staff. The program included a curriculum, clear learning objectives and outcomes, training materials, and tools such as an accessible guide, an Augmented Reality (AR) app and Universal Design for Learning guidlines. These resources were designed to help professionals integrate and use them effectively while training their beneficiaries, making the learning experience more impactful.A key aspect of the Green Enough Project was its focus on promoting autonomy and fostering daily living skills in an environmentally friendly manner, as well as the promotion of inclussivness and accessibility in education for marginalised people, such as individuals with D.D./I.D. << Implementation >>The implemented activities included:-Research and needs indentification-Gathering the data and developing the relevant state-of-the-art essay-The development of the training curriculum, learning objectives and learning outcomes-Training materials for the mental health professionals-Universal Design for Learning guidelines as a side material to assist professionals perfom more accessibe training sessions with their beneficiaries-The development of an Accessible guide (as an Easy-To-Read guide) for the beneficiaries with D.D./I.D-The co-designing of the digital tools/mobile and the final version for indroid and ios-LTTA activities-Develoment of certification schemes for the training material and the trained professionals, evaluation and certification-Piloting sessions between the certified trainers and the beneficiaries with DD/ID-Evaluation/Feedback an update of the developed materials-Gantehring of all the developed materials and intregration to a complete training kit/handbook in all respective languages-Dissemnination and exploitation activities including SoMe posts, videos, newsletters, Multiplier events and the Green Enough websiet were all information and material are available for free.-TPMs and online meetings<< Results >>The main goal of the project was to enhance the fight against climate change by engaging individuals with D.D./I.D., a group with typically low involvement. This was achieved by training professionals who work with them and creating tailored educational materials. Key actions included:-Conducting research on the ecological habits of individuals with D.D./I.D. to enrich scientific knowledge.-Creating accessible educational materials (e.g., Pps, Accessible Guide, AR app), which are certified, free, and support the educational community’s climate action goals.-Offering LTTA and certification for professionals to train others, expanding the project’s impact.-Educating individuals with D.D./I.D. and encouraging eco-friendly habit changes.-Broadly disseminating the project’s ideas and tools, promoting the participation of individuals with D.D./I.D. in combating climate change.