On a spring morning in Brno, the Czech launch of the international project DEAP – Nurturing Personal Development and Empowerment of Young People with Visual Impairment through Arts Education brought together a dynamic group of educators, students, youth workers, and rehabilitation professionals. The kick-off event, held on the premises of the Masaryk University, began at 9:00 a.m. with participant registration and informal conversations that set a warm and engaging tone for the day. In total, 31 participants joined the event, representing three key institutions: PELICAN Language School, Masaryk University and Tyfloservis Brno.
Following a short welcome, the organizers presented the goals and vision of the DEAP project, outlining how it aims to support the personal development and social empowerment of young people with visual impairments through artistic education in fields such as ceramics, theatre, and dance. Between 9:30 and 10:30, attendees learned about the initial actions of the project and were invited to take part in both local workshops and international training sessions planned for the coming months. The presentation clearly resonated with participants, sparking genuine interest and curiosity about how DEAP might be applied within their own professional settings.
After a brief coffee break, the event continued with a rich presentation on the DEAP ceramics workshops previously held in Italy. This segment, filled with reflections and visual documentation, brought to life the creative and emotional impact of engaging youth in hands-on artistic experiences. For many participants, it served as a tangible example of how art can support self-expression, build confidence, and foster inclusion.
The final part of the event offered space for dialogue and reflection. From 11:15 to noon, participants engaged in open discussions, sharing their thoughts, experiences, and questions related to inclusive education, youth work, and support for people with visual impairments. The event concluded with a joint summary and evaluation session, which allowed attendees to express feedback and offer suggestions for the next stages of the project.
The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the clarity of the presentations, the opportunity to meet others working in related fields, and the inspiring stories shared from the project’s pilot phase in Italy. Many expressed a strong willingness to become involved in future DEAP activities. Among the recommendations for improvement were more interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, and regular communication channels to stay updated on project news.
The group of attendees itself reflected the interdisciplinary and inclusive spirit of the DEAP project. Students from Masaryk University brought a strong academic foundation in inclusive education and special needs pedagogy. Staff from PELICAN Language School added their perspective as educators engaged in intercultural dialogue and youth development. Professionals from Tyfloservis Brno contributed valuable practical expertise in social rehabilitation for visually impaired individuals, offering real-life insights into daily challenges and effective support strategies.
Altogether, the event in Brno set a powerful tone for the implementation of DEAP in the Czech Republic. It not only introduced the project in a clear and inspiring way, but also built the foundation for a local network of committed partners ready to collaborate across sectors. With shared values of empathy, inclusion, and creativity, the Czech DEAP team is ready to take the next steps in bringing the transformative power of the arts to young people with visual impairments—locally and across Europe.
