Youth IMPACT: From Needs to Results

On 19 and 20 October 2026, the partners of the international Youth IMPACT project gathered in Ljubljana, Slovenia, for the project’s final conference. The event brought together 50 unique participants to celebrate the work accomplished, share experiences and explore how to create more accessible and inclusive opportunities for young people who are blind or partially sighted.

The first day focused on access to knowledge and information. Project partners presented their activities and key results, from training and national awareness campaigns to international youth mobilities in Budva and Neum. A panel discussion then explored how the project’s results can be applied in everyday practice, highlighting the importance of accessible information, inclusive activities and cooperation between organisations.

The second day turned the focus to independence and accessibility in practice. Through a discussion combining professional knowledge with a young participant’s personal experience, participants explored what independence means in everyday life, how technology can support it and which barriers still remain.

The conference also offered a more practical perspective through experiential stations. Participants could learn from the experiences of young people with visual impairments, try simulation glasses, explore orientation and mobility techniques, discover tactile approaches to art and learn more about accessible library services. These activities highlighted how practical knowledge, appropriate support and accessible environments can make a difference in everyday life.

With partners from Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Cyprus, Youth IMPACT has created opportunities to exchange knowledge, build connections and develop new approaches to inclusion. Although the project has come to an end, the experiences and resources gained provide a valuable foundation for continued cooperation and for creating more opportunities for young people who are visually impared.