The project aimed to support the educational needs of adult deaf migrants from Syria by integrating Syrian Sign Language into the existing digital platform “Spread the Sign.” This free online sign language dictionary, originally launched as a pilot project in 2006, currently includes dozens of countries and hundreds of thousands of sign language videos. The addition of Syrian Sign Language represented a significant step in improving access to education and communication for Syrian deaf refugees.
The project addressed the lack of appropriate digital tools for deaf refugees and migrants, providing access to their native language while also facilitating the learning of new sign languages. At the same time, it strengthened the availability of other sign languages already included in the platform, such as Swedish, Turkish, and German, while introducing new ones, including Greek, Cypriot, and Bulgarian sign languages, in response to the needs of countries hosting Syrian migrants.
The main objectives of the project were to promote the social inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing migrants, ensure equal educational opportunities, and support adult educators working with this target group. In addition, the project raised awareness about the specific needs of these vulnerable populations and promoted its results at both national and European levels.
Through its activities, the project contributed to safeguarding the fundamental right to language access and education, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.