HEART – Economic Empowerment of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Through the Use of Digital Tools in Business

Project HEART empowers young deaf and hard of hearing individuals through training in graphic design and digital marketing. Our goal is to provide them with tools to express themselves creatively and access the job market.

Zelena grafika „Za svet jednakih mogućnosti“: Mladi učesnik sa kohlearnim implantatom aktivno i nasmejano učestvuje u diskusiji sa grupom vršnjaka, simbolizujući socijalnu inkluziju i samopouzdanje.

Osnovne informacije

  • Duration: December 2024 – June 2025.
  • Target Group: Deaf and hard of hearing youth from Belgrade
  • Key Activities: Graphic design workshops (Photoshop, Illustrator), copywriting, digital safety 
  • Partner: “Stefan Dečanski” School, OOKI, ASK, American Corner, U.S. Embassy
  • Status: Completed

The Challenge

Youth with hearing impairments face significant barriers to employment. They often lack opportunities to acquire modern digital skills in an environment adapted to their communication needs (Sign Language). This leads to economic dependency and social exclusion.

Our Approach

Over six months, we provided an environment where “you don’t have to hear to be loud.” Our approach combined technical skill acquisition with full accessibility:

  • Practical Digital Skills: Through workshops led by experts, participants mastered Photoshop and Illustrator, learned the basics of copywriting to write inspiring texts, and understood how to protect their ideas and safety online.

  • Full Communication Accessibility: Every phase of the training was adapted to the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing – with Serbian Sign Language interpreters and visually adapted materials provided throughout.

  • Modern Equipment: Classes were conducted using modern digital equipment, which was donated to the “Stefan Dečanski” school upon project completion for further work with students.

Results and Impact

The project brought young people new experiences, contacts, and confidence, while the results of their work are tangible and creative:

  • Creative Portfolio: Participants designed original t-shirts, badges, and stickers. These products send strong messages of equality and inclusion, showing that young people can speak through color, shape, and ideas.

  • Community Donation: The digital equipment used during the training was permanently donated to the School for the Hearing Impaired “Stefan Dečanski,” improving the quality of education for future generations.

  • Empowerment: 10 young people gained concrete skills for the job market or for starting their own business, confirming the project’s message: “The deaf do not seek pity – they create trends.”

And finally, a message from the youth:

“The deaf do not seek pity – they set trends, break down barriers, and raise their voices without words.”

Let’s support them – let’s be loud with them and for them!

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