Advancing innovation in VET and empowering people living with diabetes (2025–2027) KA210-VET-B1B80458
SADAT is a European Erasmus+ initiative to professionalise diabetes alert dog training by creating standardised vocational education (VET) for trainers and practical education for people with diabetes and their families. The project combines expert video courses and a comprehensive training guide to improve safety, autonomy, and quality of life.
Why this project matters
Across Europe, diabetes affects millions of people, including children and older adults who may struggle to detect dangerous blood sugar changes. Diabetes alert dogs can recognise early glycaemic shifts and prompt timely action—but training quality varies widely and there are no EU‑wide VET standards for this speciality. SADAT addresses this gap with evidence‑based training and clear, accessible learning resources.
Objectives
- Standardise VET pathways for diabetes alert dog trainers with a structured, evidence‑based curriculum.
- Increase flexibility and access to learning through digital, blended materials for trainers and families.
- Empower people with diabetes (including children and seniors) to interpret alerts and integrate dogs into daily self‑management.
- Support recognition of skills via an EU Model of Competences and micro‑credentials for lifelong learning and employability.
What we’re delivering
1) Two Educational Video Courses
- For VET trainers & healthcare professionals: scent detection, imprinting, behaviour reinforcement, public access training, troubleshooting, ethics, and long‑term follow‑up.
- For people with diabetes & families: recognising symptoms, understanding alerts, responding correctly (day & night), reinforcing behaviours at home, managing distractions, and building a strong patient‑dog bond.
Format: ~10 lessons per course (~200 minutes total), translated into EN/HR/IT/RO; piloted and refined with trainers and patients.
2) Trainer’s Guide (PDF/eBook)
A 100‑page, practice‑oriented manual with 12 lesson plans, a LifeComp‑aligned competence model, and a micro‑credentials proposal (“Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer”). Includes practical exercises, case studies, and a train‑the‑trainer plan.
3) Open access & reusable assets
All outputs will be openly shared via Erasmus+ platforms and partner channels so VET centres can adopt or adapt the materials.
Who will benefit
- Professional dog trainers & veterinary professionals: a standardised VET pathway with clear methods and recognition tools.
- People with diabetes & families: practical skills to interpret alerts and integrate dogs into daily routines—especially valuable for children, older adults, and rural communities.
- Healthcare professionals & educators: validated resources to embed diabetes alert dog education into care pathways and curricula.
- Policy makers: a structured model supporting quality assurance and recognition across Europe.
Activities & timeline (high level)
- A1 — Kick‑off (Udine, IT): define content, editorial plan, brand assets; internal course on audiovisual strategies for medical VET. (Sept 2025)
- A2 — Video courses: storyboards, filming, editing, translations; piloting with trainers & patients; improvements. (Sept 2025–Sept 2026)
- A3 — Technical review meeting (Iași, RO): quality checks, alignment with the guide, dissemination planning. (Sept 2026)
- A4 — Trainer’s Guide: virtual co‑authoring, testing with VET trainers, final publication (PDF/eBook). (Sept 2026–Aug 2027)
- A5 — Final international event (Split, HR): public showcase, workshops, sustainability agreement. (Aug 2027)
Partners
- Croatian Association for the Promotion of Patients’ Rights (Applicant, HR)
Leads financial/general management; coordinates training guide; ensures ethical, legal, and healthcare alignment. (Split, HR) - M.I.H.S.A.E. — Modern Institute of Human Sciences and Audiovisual Education (IT)
Leads video course production and audiovisual pedagogy; designs logo and multimedia assets. (Italy) - Anamarcon Therapy srl (RO)
Leads quality assurance & evaluation; brings psychology and education expertise; co‑designs behavioural reinforcement content. (Iași, RO) - INNOVABAY SRL (IT)
Leads digital dissemination & e‑learning tooling; co‑authors guide sections on educational psychology and digital access. (Veneto, IT)
Impact we aim for
- Better‑trained professionals: structured, evidence‑based VET for diabetes alert dog training—raising accuracy, ethics, and consistency.
- Safer, more autonomous daily life for patients: accessible instructions, case‑based learning, and family‑friendly scenarios.
- Recognition and mobility of skills: competence model + micro‑credentials to support quality assurance and employability across the EU.
- Sustainable adoption: open educational resources, annual refreshes, and integration into VET curricula and healthcare education.
How we’ll share results
We’ll publish updates and final outputs on the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform (EPRP), the European School Education Platform (ESEP) (teaching materials), EPALE, and partner websites/socials. Expect articles, short promo videos, and an international closing event in Split to showcase results and foster uptake.
Accessibility & inclusion
All videos include captions; materials are written in clear language, translated into English, Croatian, Italian, and Romanian, and optimised for mobile. The learner journey considers children, older adults, and rural users, ensuring equitable access.
Get involved
- VET centres & trainers: integrate our video lessons and guide into your programmes.
- Healthcare providers & educators: use the patient‑facing course in diabetes education and counselling.
- Policy stakeholders: explore our competence model and micro‑credentials proposal to support recognition pathways.
Contact
Project name: SADAT — Standardizing Diabetes Alert Dog Training
Programme: Erasmus+ KA210‑VET (Small‑scale Partnerships)
Duration: Sept 2025 – Aug 2027
