ECDL® PD: 15 years later

Abstract

The EU funded pilot project (funding scheme “Leonardo da Vinci”, fostering lifelong learning and promoting further vocational education) ECDL® PD (ECDL® for People with Disabilities) was carried out from 2001–2004. It aimed at adapting the widespread and renowned ECDL® certificate (European Computer Driving License) to the needs of people with disabilities. This adaptation of a mainstream standard certificate was meant to support people with disabilities and other people at a disadvantage (e.g. older people, people with weak social or educational background, or people from minorities or immigrant groups not ready for using their second/new mother tongue at a satisfying level) and to foster their chances at the labor market. What remained from this work? Is ECDL® the ultima ratio for including people at risk of exclusion or with fewer opportunities into the labor market and into society or is it a certificate amongst others without reaching its full potential?.