Financial Literacy for Accessible and Inclusive Vocational Education

<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the lack of financial literacy education tailored for the hearing impaired. Financial literacy is recognized as a critical skill in the digital age (OECD, 2021), yet existing studies indicate that financial literacy levels among students are low, with only 10% reaching the highest proficiency level (PISA 2012). Despite its importance, no studies were found on the financial literacy of the hearing impaired. This suggests that their financial literacy levels may be even lower. Our project aimed to fill this gap by developing a financial literacy curriculum and digital teaching materials in sign language. We created digital resources to assess financial literacy readiness, a structured curriculum for vocational education, a financial literacy sign language glossary, and materials to support budgeting and investment decision-making. These efforts ensure equal learning opportunities, benefiting both hearing-impaired individuals and educators in accounting and finance.<< Objectives >>By implementing this project, we aimed to promote equality and accessibility in vocational education for the hearing impaired. Our goal was to support the digital transformation of vocational training by providing digital materials in sign language, ensuring that the deaf community could learn in their mother tongue. We also sought to equip teachers with specialized digital resources to enhance their training methods. Additionally, we aimed to diversify online and distance education opportunities, develop digital assessment tools for financial literacy, and encourage hearing-impaired individuals to pursue higher education in finance and economics. By creating a Financial Literacy glossary in sign language, we contributed to language development in accounting and finance. The project also aimed to improve vocational literacy, numeracy, and communication skills in sign language for individuals entering the workforce. Furthermore, we sought to help hearing-impaired individuals and their families make informed financial decisions. Lastly, we aimed to assess financial literacy levels and provide a foundation for future studies in this field.<< Implementation >>Within the scope of our project, we implemented various activities to achieve our objectives. We organized three transnational project meetings (TPMs) to ensure effective coordination and collaboration among partners. Detailed information about these meetings can be accessed through the provided links.https://www.vslonfinance.org/m1.htmlhttps://www.vslonfinance.org/m2.htmlhttps://www.vslonfinance.org/m3.htmlAdditionally, we conducted a short-term staff training activity (LTT) to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants. Details about this training are also available through the relevant link.https://www.vslonfinance.org/ltt.htmlWe carried out two Multiplier Events (MEs) to disseminate our project results and raise awareness among stakeholders. Further information about these events can be accessed via the provided links.https://www.vslonfinance.org/e1.htmlhttps://www.vslonfinance.org/e2.htmlMoreover, we strictly followed our planned project management activities, ensuring that the objectives and goals of the work package were achieved within the designated time and budget. These activities contributed to the efficient execution of TPM, LTT, and ME activities, maximizing their impact and effectiveness.<< Results >>•A Financial Literacy curriculum specifically designed for the hearing impaired was prepared (https://www.vslonfinance.org/curriculum.html). •We developed a measurement and assessment tool to determine the readiness levels of the users before starting the training (https://www.vslonfinance.org/measurementtool.html). •Digital contents for Financial Literacy distance education were developed for the hearing impaired (https://www.vslonfinance.org/online-training.html).•These digital contents were produced in sign language to ensure accessibility (https://www.vslonfinance.org/trmodule1.html).•A Financial Literacy glossary of terms in sign language was created to facilitate understanding of financial concepts (https://www.vsldictionary.org/?lang=TR).•The project contributed to enhancing the employment opportunities of the hearing impaired in the fields of Accounting and Finance.•It also contributed to diversifying the educational opportunities available to the hearing impaired.•Digital vocational training materials in sign language were created for teachers working with hearing impaired students.•These results collectively aimed to improve the financial literacy and VET opportunities for the hearing impaired community