As part of the European project AccessCoVE, which aims to improve Vocational Education and Training (VET) in accessibility by creating new learning pathways for the Accessibility Certifier and Accessibility Consultant profiles, M\u00e1laga TechPark, together with several project partners \u2014 including the University of Macedonia, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), the Polytechnic University of Turin, and Helenos Consulting \u2014 organized several working sessions during September and October. These sessions were designed to identify professional needs, validate training frameworks, and define certification criteria applicable across different sectors in Europe.<\/p>\n
The meetings brought together more than 50 representatives from various fields \u2014 public authorities, companies, educational institutions, and international organizations \u2014 to create a space for collaboration and discussion on future professional roles.<\/p>\n
Each session focused on a key sector and allowed for an in-depth analysis of training needs, evaluation criteria, and common challenges in accessibility education.<\/p>\n
The discussions emphasized that both profiles are essential and complementary: the Accessibility Consultant supports institutions and companies in implementing accessible measures, while the Certifier ensures compliance with standards and validates process quality.<\/p>\n
Among the main challenges identified were fragmented regulations, lack of specialized training, and the perception of accessibility as a cost. To address these, participants proposed promoting the recognition of these professional profiles through new learning pathways and encouraging cooperation among institutions and sectors.<\/p>\n
These working sessions contribute to the design of training courses and programs within the framework of the project, supporting a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible Europe for all.<\/p>\n