Level Up – Inclusive English Language Learning
Level Up is a pioneering English language program specialized for blind and visually impaired individuals. The program bridges language education with assistive technology training, empowering participants to become more competitive in the job market.
Project Information
- Duration: Phase I (2020–2021), Phase II (2023–2025).
- Target Group: Blind and visually impaired persons, English language teachers (ELT)
- Key Activities: Curriculum development, teacher’s handbook creation, teacher training, B1 level course
- Partners: American Corner Belgrade, ELTA Conference
- Status: Active
The Challenge
Standard language courses are often inaccessible to visually impaired learners. Textbooks rely heavily on visuals, and teachers rarely have experience with assistive technologies (screen readers). Consequently, students receive less support and are often excluded from the full learning process.
Our Approach
To create a program that truly works, we assembled a multidisciplinary team of experts in education, typhlology, and digital accessibility, with direct input from the users themselves. Our methodology includes:
Comprehensive Curriculum Development: We created teaching materials that include a dedicated section on assistive technologies, instructions for using speech software (screen readers), and guidelines for creating accessible digital content.
Multi-format Materials: All learning materials are adapted to students’ needs and are available in electronic format, Braille, and audio format.
Teacher Education: We organized specialized training for English language teachers from Serbia, equipping them with concrete skills and a handbook for working with blind and visually impaired students.
Practical Application: Three trained teachers conducted a B1 level course live at the American Corner, focusing specifically on individuals seeking employment.
Results and Impact
Level Up has set new standards in inclusive education, with success reflected in concrete numbers and long-term effects:
Successful Training Completion: 10 teachers completed the professional training, and 10 students (divided into two groups) successfully finished the B1 English course.
Professional Recognition: The program was presented at the annual ELTA conference as a unique example of best practices in inclusive English teaching in Serbia.
Sustainability of Knowledge: The created materials and gained experience remain available as a resource for expanding the program. Our goal is to make this model available to a wider circle of schools and teachers, ensuring language learning becomes permanently accessible to everyone.