What is Epos?

EPOS stands for 'Europese Programma's voor Onderwijs, Opleiding en Samenwerking'.
The main task of EPOS vzw is the implementation of the European Life Long Learning Programme as National Agency for Flanders. This project is funded with the support of the European Commission.

More information: www.epos-vlaanderen.be

Avanti-project definition of the problem: lifelong learning (and work) for persons with ASD

Within the framework of Equal (2005-2007), two partners of the transnational cooperation 'SMART', worked out on national level different complementary models, with methods and instruments (Kairo - Kira - Learning Gateway). The developed models always focus on a specific part concerning education, training and/or work, but identify important aspects in the life course model-perspective. One red  wire in methods and instruments is lacking until now. A model that's aimed at education, training and work for persons with autism, in which the different methods from a perspective of life course are linked with each other. So that teachers, trainers and coaches and other persons who give support, will work more complementarily and additionally.

Aim and sub-objectives

The aim of the Avanti-project is to provide a contribution to the inclusion of people with a disability and to maximize the opportunities concerning lifelong learning (and working) for people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This happens by the development of a tailormade life course model, aimed to increase social inclusion on the labour market (based on education, training and work).
The model focuses on education, at an early stage /as early as possible and on necessary support on  training and finally work.

The sub-objectives of the Avanti-project:

1. Development of an inclusive model for the support of persons with ASD from education (empowerment) to work. In the model, already developed methodics and instruments are connected to foresee support with education, training-work.
2. Exchange of knowledge, methods and instruments from different countries concerning topics involving professional labour integration and lifelong learning for young adults (with the focus on people with ASD).
3. Bring together/Gathering/ Collecting as much knowledge and insights as possible about the life course model from the different partners, and their networks.
4. Make an inventory of good practice examples from education within the framework of the life course model.
   • Feedback from national networks concerning support concerning Lifelong learning and ASD (Education-training-work).
   • The development of a good practice  in the Netherlands and Belgium: where the life course model will be tested              
   • The development of an adequate assessment and a first limited test/ tryout by a number of young people with ASD (Belgium).
   • The development of a training for teachers and professionals.

International partners

The Avanti-project is carried out within the European ‘Lifelong Learning Programme’ and runs from November 2007 till October 2009. Following partners work together in the project:

	DE PLOEG vzw: Vocational training centre for people with a disability (BE)
	VVKBuO: Flemish Federation of the Catholic Special Education (BE)
	SPK: Strategic Project organisation Kempen (BE)
	Dr. Leo Kannerhuis: Specialized child- and youth psychiatric hospital and knowledge centre regarding autism (NL)
	APPACDM de Marinha Grande: Portuguese association of parents and friends of people with learning difficulties (PT)

Working method and aimed results

The Avanti-project takes place on transnational level. In four meetings, the life course model will be developed, checked and evaluated. On national level, in the core group, things are worked out in preparation of the international meetings.

The project results in a final document, in which the life course model and a number of relevant instruments and methodics, in the field of education, training and education, are described. Also good practices on the life course model (Belgium and the Netherlands) of the life course model will be described. Final conclusions and recommendations will be brought under attention by means of a policy note.