In 2024–2025, within a network of 35 providers of guidance in ALE (AECs), which has been operating as a public service since 2021 in accordance with the Adult Education Act (2018), we are implementing activities aimed at improving the accessibility of guidance and education for deaf and hard-of-hearing adults.
In 2023, at the initiative of the Ministry of Education, the SIAE developed professional guidelines for two approaches to information and guidance: the partnership approach and individual or group-based information and guidance.
The partnership approach includes activities carried out in collaboration within strategic councils, which are established within the framework of guidance services in ALE as a public service. There are currently 18 strategic councils comprising over 250 partner organisations. Their aim is to raise awareness and disseminate information about the needs and opportunities for education and guidance for deaf and hard-of-hearing adults in the local and regional environments in which they operate.
As an example of good practice, this edition of the SIAE Newsletter features an article by counsellor Alenka Sagadin Mlinarič from Maribor AEC, sharing her experiences with the partnership approach.
The individual or group-based approaches are applicable in the following situations:
- direct personal information and guidance in pairs (a counsellor and a deaf or hard-of-hearing adult);
- group-based information and guidance (a counsellor and a group of deaf or hard-of-hearing adults).
Both approaches aim to increase participation in formal and non-formal education, in procedures for recognising and documenting knowledge and skills, and in structured, self-directed learning. These are all areas covered by guidance services in ALE as a public service.
- raise awareness and encourage participation in LL;
- inform about educational and learning opportunities;
- present the benefits and procedures for recognising and documenting previously acquired knowledge and skills (whether obtained formally, non-formally or informally through education, work and personal life); and
- introduce and promote self-directed learning, supported by a counsellor and facilitated through e-resources and other materials designed for self-directed learning.
Through the group approach, we aim to encourage deaf and hard-of-hearing adults to attend individual guidance sessions whenever they require support in considering further education, self-directed learning, career changes and other matters. Direct contact – the experience of meeting counsellors in person at various events (information meetings, workshops, stands, etc.) – often serves as a motivating factor for individuals to seek individual guidance at a later stage.
Evaluation findings
In each region with a deaf and hard-of-hearing association, we plan to conduct at least one group-based guidance session. Evaluation of past activities has revealed several notable findings:
- A total of 95 deaf and hard-of-hearing adults participated in group-based information and guidance sessions. This is considered a success as the SIAE research has shown that deaf and hard-of-hearing adults very rarely or never engage in ALE outside of the education organised by their (inter)municipal associations or the Slovenian Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- The deaf and hard-of-hearing community is diverse in terms of the challenges faced due to hearing loss, as well as age, education and employment status. These factors must be considered in any educational initiative.
- Participants were pleased to learn about the free guidance support available through ALE and the educational opportunities that can be tailored to their needs. In some cases, specific education programmes have already been arranged through adult education centres.
- The planning and delivery of the programme always involved local deaf and hard-of-hearing associations, with sign language interpreters included in the sessions.
- The sessions were adapted in terms of scope, topic complexity, duration and delivery methods. A successful approach involved breaking content into smaller units, incorporating more practical exercises and personal discussions and ensuring suitable conditions for unobstructed sign language interpretation. Many deaf and hard-of-hearing participants face difficulties with reading texts, including PowerPoint presentations and written expression.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults are motivated to engage in ALE
The initial implementations of the group-based approach to information and guidance indicate that deaf and hard-of-hearing adults are motivated to participate in ALE when it is appropriately adapted to their needs. This supports the continuation of the group-based approach. We will continue to provide guidance for deaf and hard-of-hearing adults in ALE as a public service. Alongside group-based support, individual guidance remains available.
Counsellors are trained to work in line with an inclusive approach. The goal of both group-based and individual guidance remains the same – to provide guidance that ensures fairer and easier access to LL for deaf and hard-of-hearing adults. This brings them closer to the educational content they need for work, personal development or increased social participation. In this context, professional staff from deaf and hard-of-hearing associations serve as key partners to ALE counsellors. We believe that collaboration with these associations represents one of the most effective forms of outreach work for ALE counsellors.
Tanja Vilič Klenovšek, MSc (tanja.vilic.klenovsek@acs.si), SIAE
