the big thing – Views International

The Big Thing Guidelines: Making Learning Spaces Truly Inclusive

Giulia D'Agnolo — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:25:55 +0000

The Big Thing (TBT) Guidelines are the result of a joint effort between Arkhe (Spain), Zavod Odtiz (Slovenia), and VIEWS International (Belgium). They build on the experiences and reflections gathered throughout the project and respond to a growing need for practical tools that help make youth work and training more inclusive.

Two sets of guidelines for different audiences

To ensure they are relevant to those who will use them, the guidelines have been developed in two complementary versions:

- For trainers, facilitators, and youth workers: offering recommendations on how to adapt learning spaces, materials, and group processes so that all participants, including those with disabilities, can take part on an equal footing;

- For institutions and organisations: aimed at those who host and manage activities, providing strategies to make inclusion and accessibility a core part of organisational practice rather than an afterthought.

Why they are important

The guidelines showed us that inclusion is not only about adapting spaces or materials, but about creating common spaces where everyone can grow and contribute together. Interpreters, assistants, and support staff are recognised as part of the learning team, and group dynamics are adjusted to ensure no participant is left behind.

Rather than offering a fixed set of methods, the TBT Guidelines capture lessons learned from practice. They are meant to inspire trainers and organisations to take the next step, to embrace diversity confidently, and to create learning spaces where every participant is valued and able to contribute.

Download the guidelines

Both sets of guidelines are available for download and can be used independently or together. They are a resource to support those who want to make inclusive youth work the norm rather than the exception.

The Big Thing – Guidelines for Institutions (PDF)
The Big Thing – Guidelines for Institutions (Word)
The Big Thing – Guidelines for Trainers (PDF)
The Big Thing – Guidelines for Trainers (Word)

The Big Thing: guidelines to support inclusion in non-formal education

Giulia D'Agnolo — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:21:42 +0000

On 2 June, Arkhe hosted The Big Thing in Toledo, Spain – a lively event that marked the conclusion of the ACT-YOU project. It brought together representatives from regional institutions, partner organisations, trainers, and participants to reflect on the outcomes of the project.

The event highlighted the impact of the initiative on both individuals and organisations. A key takeaway was the increased understanding of accessibility, not only in terms of specific participant groups, but also in recognising individual needs, group dynamics, and how to foster inclusive participation in mixed settings.

It was also an opportunity to present two new sets of guidelines aimed at making youth work and non-formal education more inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities.

These guidelines are the result of a collaborative effort between Arkhe (Spain), Zavod Odtiz (Slovenia), and VIEWS International (Belgium). They draw on the practical experiences, insights, and discussions that took place throughout the project, responding to a growing need for clear and structured tools to support inclusion.

There are two versions of the guidelines: one developed for trainers, facilitators, and youth workers; the other created for institutions and organisations responsible for hosting and running training activities.

Both provide practical recommendations and hands-on strategies. They offer ideas on how to improve learning spaces, adapt materials, and manage group dynamics in a way that takes into account the varied needs of young people with different abilities. The aim is not only to make learning settings more accessible, but also to support active participation, dialogue, and shared experience in mixed groups.

By encouraging the use of these inclusive approaches, the guidelines support a broader goal: to help create professional learning environments that are genuinely open, fair, and welcoming to all.

Read the two sets of guidelines:

Episode 2 of “The Big Thing” series: the Belgian team in Slovenia

Giulia D'Agnolo — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 17:26:21 +0000

“The Big Thing” podcast series is out with a new episode! The series brings listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into the project’s activities and the people who make it special. The podcast is recorded, edited and mixed by Ditmar, Jay and Youssri. A special thank you goes to them.

On this episode, Kinga and Ibrahim, two participants of “The Big Thing” project, along with Angélique, one of the three accompanying persons, reflect on their experiences during the transnational training held in Slovenia in July. They share their motivations for joining the project, what they hoped to achieve, and the impact it has had on their personal and professional growth.

The three interviewees also discuss the challenges they encountered throughout the project, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and their favorite moments. They also share what they will take with them after “The Big Thing” finishes—offering listeners a glimpse into how these experiences will shape their future work in promoting inclusivity and empowerment.

Content warning: mention of injury. On this episode, at minute 09.45, an interviewee will very lightly mention someone having an accident. If you would rather not hear it, skip to minute 10.24.

The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Youtube.
Read the transcript

About “The Big Thing”

Funded by the European Union, “The Big Thing” is a project led by Asociacion Arkhe (Spain) in partnership with Zavod ODTIZ (Slovenia) and VIEWS International. The project focuses on promoting greater inclusion of people with disabilities in youth work and non-formal education across Europe, particularly through the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

“Episode 1 of ‘The Big Thing’: Inside an Inclusive Youth Project”

Giulia D'Agnolo — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:28:22 +0000

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our podcast series dedicated to The Big Thing project! This exciting new series will feature short episodes recorded by three of our participants from Belgium—Jay, Youssri, and Ditmar—offering listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the activities and the inspiring individuals who bring this initiative to life.

In our first episode, we are joined by our Executive Director, Anca, and two of the project’s dynamic trainers, Viki and Daniele. Together, they delve into the heart of The Big Thing, sharing the story of how the project was conceived, what motivated our team to get involved, and the profound impact it has had on everyone working on it.

Throughout this series, you’ll gain an insider’s perspective on the significance of The Big Thing—a project funded by the European Union and developed in collaboration with Asociacion Arkhe (Spain), Zavod ODTIZ (Slovenia), and VIEWS International. The initiative aims to foster greater inclusion of people with disabilities in youth work and non-formal education across Europe, with a focus on the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programs.

The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Youtube.
Read the transcript

About “The Big Thing”

The Big Thing’s transnational training in Slovenia: Kinga’s experience

Giulia D'Agnolo — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:57:33 +0000

Between 5 and 10 July, the Belgian delegation of participants of “The Big Thing” project flew to Kamnik, Slovenia, to join the participants from Slovenia and Spain for a week of joint transnational training session. “The Big Thing” brings together young persons with disabilities from across Europe on national and transnational training sessions that will form them to start their professional path as trainers.

Kinga, our European Solidarity Corps volunteer who was in Kamnik with the rest of the participants, wrote a blog post detailing this exciting week of learning and bonding.

What a time! I am so glad to be part of an amazing team for “The Big Thing” project. Last week, as a member of the Belgium national team, I participated in the first international training in Kamnik with participants from Slovenia and Spain.

It was a fantastic opportunity to work with inspiring people on team building, communication, and inclusion. Thanks to the various activities and exchange of experiences, I learned a lot about the challenges faced by people with auditory and physical impairments and how to create an accessible and inclusive environment in the learning process.

The first day began with a warm welcome from the host organization, during which the trainers introduced the agenda and logistical details for the program. Following the introductory session, participants engaged in a team-building activity in mixed pairs, held in the nearby green areas. This activity was well-received, as it provided a relaxing environment to break the ice and connect. Since the project involves working with people with different disabilities, each national group focused on identifying accessibility needs and generating suggestions for savoir-vivre with other participants and trainers. This session was particularly insightful, allowing participants to voice their specific requirements and contribute to a more inclusive environment. The final session of the day involved a unique “Ikebana” activity, where participants worked in mixed groups to enhance their communication skills.

On the second day, after the evaluation session, a cooking activity began. Participants were divided into mixed groups to prepare a meal together. This hands-on activity was highly effective in enhancing communication and cooperation skills, as space and resources were limited. We had a lot of fun throughout the day, especially during the coffee break, when we could finally taste our baking. The day concluded with a session dedicated to exploring participants’ personal talents, hobbies, and passions, setting the stage for further sharing and collaboration in the upcoming days.

The third day focused on collecting and cataloging the various talents, hobbies and passions of the participants. The activity transitioned from individual reflections to a plenary discussion, ensuring that everyone’s contributions were acknowledged and considered. The participants then moved into mixed groups to begin designing workshops centered on shared passions. This session was comprehensive, requiring groups to define workshop objectives and identify the skills and competencies to be acquired.

The fourth day was devoted to implementing workshops, and it was my favorite part of the entire training. My group prepared activities related to the language learning process. We appreciated the exchange with Deaf participants because, for most of us, it was the first opportunity to learn about their perspective. I especially enjoyed the improv workshop, where I could try out my acting and comedy skills.

The final day was dedicated to reflection and evaluation of the previous day’s activities. The program concluded with a heartfelt closing activity, where participants shared their wishes for one another. This session was emotional and uplifting, marking the end of an enriching experience and the beginning of new connections and—dare I say it—friendships.

The project broadened my knowledge regarding different disabilities and gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful, inspiring, and fun people. I am really looking forward to the next international training in Spain this fall.

Opportunity – Join our Training of Trainers course!

Giulia D'Agnolo — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 11:27:41 +0000

Are you interested in youth work? Would you like to develop your skills as facilitator? Are you ready to start your professional path as a trainer?

With ODTIZ Institute and Arkhe we are launching “The Big Thing” project, to encourage participation of persons with disabilities in the field of youth work and non-formal education at the European level, in particular within the framework of Erasmus+ programmes (Training of Trainers – TOT).

With this project, each project partner will organise three dedicated periods of training in 2024:

One national training course in Belgium, lasting 16 days across 10 months
A week of training in Slovenia (2 days of travel + 5 days of training in July 2024)
A week of training in Spain (2 days of travel + 5 days of training in October 2024

What’s in it for you?

From the three training courses, the participants will gain professional experience and develop their ETS competencies as trainers, namely: successful cooperation in teams, understanding and facilitation of learning, Youthpass.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for participants:

With visual impairments
Who are between 18 and 30
Who are resident in Belgium
Who will be available to attend the full training cycle

Sounds interesting? Join us!

To express interest or ask any questions about the programme and the course, email us at office@viewsinternational.eu, or fill in the form below by 22 March with a paragraph explaining what motivates you to participate!