A European Inclusion Reference Framework for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity

The general objective of the project is to create an inclusion reference framework and
instruments, enabling leaders, intermediary educational support services, teaching staff, and
students to manage and enhance inclusion, equity, and diversity in higher education and lifelong
learning.

Specific outcomes will be:
- Matrix-based?Inclusion Reference Framework
- Inclusivity Evaluation Instrument
- Inclusion Monitor
- Inclusion Consultancy Group
- Inclusivity Resources Portal for Higher Education and
- Continuing professional development course (CPD) for leaders, teaching staff, and educational
support services.


Project coordinator:
EADTU

Project partners:
European students' union
Universidade Aberta
The open university
Fernuniversitat in Hagen
Hellenic Open University
Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia
Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu

The IncluDE (A European Inclusion Reference Framework for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) project creates an Inclusion Reference Framework for higher education institutions along with practice-oriented
instruments to assess and enhance inclusion policies and practices. This enables leaders, intermediary educational support services, teaching staff, and students to improve inclusion across all levels—course, curriculum, and institutional.

In all successive phases of the project, institutional partners develop synergies, will leverage their expertise and experience. The project aligns with the concepts of inclusion, equity, diversity, and inclusion challenges as defined by the European Commission, reinforcing the shared European language and approach. Inclusion challenges encompass disabilities, health problems, educational system barriers, cultural differences, social barriers, economic barriers, discrimination and geographical barriers (Erasmus+). These challenges are encountered by individual or groups of students throughout their entire academic journey, from pre-access preparation, fair admission, personalized learning and study progression, equitable assessments and examinations, and adequate
preparation for their future careers.

The Inclusion Reference Framework includes indicators rooted in principles and recommendations derived from research literature, international and national policies, existing institutional guidelines, and best practices. It offers a diagnostic Inclusion Evaluation Instrument, based on these indicators, that allows institutions to assess their current status, identify what should be done next, and determine what is realistically achievable within their institution. It also includes an Inclusion Monitor that helps institutional actors in structuring discussions and action planning at all levels. All is integrated in the Inclusive Higher Education Resources Portal, and the IncluDE CPD course, which provides stakeholders with tools and educational resources for managing and enhancing inclusion.

Project staff: Sanna Ruhalahti and Maija Timonen