Promoting Disability Inclusion in emergency response in the World of Work

<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the need of increase the safety of people with disabilities in workplaces by promoting the use and adoption of AR/VR solutions to assist disabled people, first responders and companies during workplace emergencies. Acquired emergency preparedness training offers people and companies ways to prepare and be protected during unexpected workplace emergencies. We saw the potential in rapid technological advancements and increasing adaptation of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to address various challenges in emergency management. Utilizing and adopting AR/VR into the organizations Emergency response plans for people with disabilities (employees or visitors) in coordination with responders was a very important step forward in helping organizations aligning with EU “Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030” and the EU digitalization initiative. We aimed to assist into digitizing the emergency response training and exercising process that is usually on paper in the vast majority of the organizations. We also addressed the need of adapting emergency plans to specific needs of people with disabilities. << Objectives >>The primary goal of this project was to promote the use and adoption of AR/VR solutions to assist disabled people, first responders and companies during workplace emergencies to increase the safety of people with disabilities. We also aimed to assist companies in assessing their level of disability inclusion in their emergency response plans, develop a methodological framework to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in achieving disability inclusion in their emergency response plans, provide companies with all necessary tools to promote disability inclusion in their emergency response plans and provide appropriately train for employees with disabilities in emergencies situations and in general to raise awareness regarding the necessity of disability inclusion and training in emergency situations. The project aimed to average the ability of people with disabilities either as employees or as visitors of SMEs, to respond effectively during emergency situations, thus reducing the probability and impact on the safety of employees, especially employees with disabilities.<< Implementation >>During the project consortium implemented following activities:WP1 - partners ensured effective coordination, cooperation and monitoring of the project.WP2 – partners prepared the State Analysis Assessment Report. A workplace emergency preparedness Framework and Toolbox was developed. Tools were pilot tested with 9 testers from 5 countriesAll WP3 results were developed based on the Catalogue of requirements. Developing Emergency Preparedness Self-Assessment Tool was preceded by benchmark analysis of comparable learning tools. Based on Emergency Preparedness Syllabus, 7-modules Emergency Preparedness Training Course and VR exercises was developed. WP4 partners were working on Online Training Platform, the training content was digitalized. •WP5 - dissemination efforts targeted the project’s audiences. Emergency Preparedness Website, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. 4 Multiplier Event (one in each partner country), and a final conference in Czech Republic. Five events engaging 133 participants in total. Dissemination materials in partners languages.All project results and dissemination materials are consolidated on the project website: https://www.prodigy-project.eu<< Results >>Project’s results are the following:The State Analysis Assessment Report, presenting state of the art in partner countries;The Workplace Emergency Preparedness Framework and Toolbox as a methodological step-by-step framework to promote workplace emergency planning with disability inclusion;The catalogue of requirementsThe Benchmark analysis of comparable Self Evaluation Tools;The Workplace Emergency Preparedness Self-Assessment Tool to assess current level ofemergency preparedness and disability inclusion. There are two features – to assess companies and to assess employees’ knowledgeThe Emergency Preparedness Syllabus provides structure, learning objectives, outcomes and resources for Emergency Preparedness Training CourseThe Workplace Emergency Preparedness Training Course, (7 modules) - comprehensive digital course aimed at promoting disability inclusion in emergency response within the world of work.7 Interactive VR exercises – desktop VR exercise for each training chapter of the training course.The PRO.D.I.G.Y Online Training Platform that hosts all the produced resultsInternal and External piloting report – comprehensive summary of piloting of Self-assessment tool, e-learning course, platform and VR exercises.