Curriculum for Youth Workers: How to Empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youngsters’ Entrepreneurial and Employability Skills

Aims of the tool

Based on the theme and the target group, the curriculum
objectives are:
to gain necessary knowledge about deafness and the
specifics of working with young deaf and hard of
hearing persons;
to develop communication strategies for successful
interaction with deaf and hard of hearing young people,
and young people with communication obstacles;
to understand the employment challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing young
people, as well as young people with communication obstacles;
to familiarize with the concept of the job market and the importance of developing
adaptability skills;

to familiarize with the basics of entrepreneurship and the potentials and methods of self-
employment;

to learn about mentoring and providing sufficient support to hard of hearing young
people, as well as young people with communication obstacles to develop their own
competencies and achieve their ambitions;
to learn specific advice and guidelines for career counseling and professional guidance
for hard of hearing young people, as well as young people with communication obstacles;
to encourage understanding and respect for cultural differences and the importance of an
inclusive approach in working with deaf and hard of hearing young people;
to apply knowledge and skills to enhance employability, realize rights, and social inclusion
of deaf and hard of hearing persons, and persons with communication difficulties.

Description of the tool

„Curriculum for Youth
Workers: How to Empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Youngsters' Entrepreneurial and Employability Skills“.
It is intended for youth workers, such as professionals
from the social welfare system, experts working in the
employment sector, individuals working in civil society
organizations, who may potentially work with deaf and
hard of hearing persons, as well as persons with
communication obstacles during their work. The
objective is to train them in career advising and
professional guidance for deaf and hard of hearing
persons, and persons with communication obstacles.

The curriculum consists of 10 modules, with each module
containing several sessions detailed with activity flow and
implementation instructions. Additionally, the curriculum
includes supplementary reading materials and materials
necessary for the implementation of the described
activities. The curriculum is based on the approach,
principles and methods of non-formal education. It consists
of interactive and participatory methods tailored to the
participants profile and needs, some of them being:
interactive games, reflective exercises, simulation tasks,
individual activities, work in pairs and groups, plenary
discussions, theoretical presentations, practical task work,
and exchange of experiential knowledge.