EASPD is committed to ensure that the implementation of the Union of Skills Strategy delivers access to inclusive, high-quality education and training for people with disability.

The Strategy should support the skilling, upskilling and reskilling of the workforce, to improve the quality of employment in the care and support sector.

For that, we contributed to the European Commission's call for input on the development of the European VET Strategy. Our contribution calls for a Strategy that prioritise inclusion, flexibility, and labour market relevance.

Read our full contribution

In particular, our contribution highlights that:

• Inclusive and accessible VET should become the standard approach, incorporating accessible curricula, adapted learning materials, assistive technologies, and continuous educator training in inclusive teaching methods.
• Stronger systems are needed for the recognition and validation of skills acquired through formal, non-formal, and work-based learning, supported by modular units that can accumulate into partial or full qualifications along flexible pathways.
• The strategy should promote structured cooperation between VET providers, social services, and employers.
• Adequate and sustainable funding is required to support inclusive VET pathways and reduce administrative barriers.
• In people-centered sectors such as social services, health, and care, strengthening inclusive and portable VET systems is both a social priority and an economic necessity to ensure the sustainability and quality of essential services.