ATLAS Project: Unleashing the Potential of Children with Developmental Disabilities in Croatia

In July 2021, the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation of the University of Zagreb (ERF), the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science of the University of Zagreb (FER), and the City Reykjavik began implementing the ATTEND project. The aim was to improve the education and support of children with developmental disabilities through assistive technology. The project was co-financed from the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and the state budget.

As part of this project, a total of 5,686 pieces of assistive technology equipment were delivered to educational institutions in 34 cities across Croatia. These included computers, mobile phones, electronic devices, and non-technological solutions to improve functional abilities and quality of life. The implementation began in July 2021 and results were presented at a final conference on April 24.

The ERF and FER established a new Laboratory for Assistive Technology (AT Lab) and a Catalog of assistive equipment purchased as part of the project. Additionally, multiple workshops, webinars, and an e-course were organized for over 1450 participants to enhance their skills in using these new technologies effectively with children with developmental disabilities.

The City Reykjavik also played a significant role in this project by organizing trainings for Croatian directors and employees of educational institutions. They introduced institutional frameworks and support systems for children with developmental disabilities that could be applied throughout Croatia.

Overall, the ATTEND project successfully improved education and support for children with developmental disabilities across Croatia through assistive technology initiatives that benefited thousands of students while enhancing capabilities within educational institutions.