In the month of April, the European Commission launched a  public consultation on a European approach to micro-credentials to prepare a Council Recommendation on micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability, by the end of 2021. This public consultation is linked to the European Skills Agenda & EU Education Area. A micro-credential is a proof of the learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a short, transparently-assessed learning experience awarded upon the completion of short stand-alone courses (or modules) done on-site or online.

EASPD has responded to the public consultation on micro credentials and provided recommendations targeting the inclusion of persons with disabilities and  training to the staff of services which support them.

The EU and all its Member States are parties of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), and thus they shall ensure an inclusive education system and lifelong learning. Access to education and training is key for opening-up employment and training opportunities for persons with disabilities, that are still lagging. Access to training for persons with disabilities can foster development of their personality, talents and creativity, mental and physical abilities and thus their effective participation in society. To make this possible, the Recommendation should ensure the accessibility of existing platforms and contents by making accessibility a cross-cutting request for micro credentials.

Micro credentials could also validate the skills acquired informally and throughout employment and explore training in different fields according to their interests and abilities which would result in increasing employment opportunities. Social service providers who are offering VET services, sheltered workshops, and supported employment should be entitled to get micro-credentials certifications.

The Council Recommendation should also foster use of micro credentials for re-skilling and upskilling social services workforce. An EU system of micro-credentials can be an important vehicle for the reskilling and upskilling for the social services workforce and for creating EU wide training opportunities on person centered support, human rights, and deinstitutionalisation. An instrument like the European Care certificate consisting of the basic knowledge which is required for an individual to work in a health and social care setting.

You can find the EASPD position paper in response to the consultation here.