On 28 January 2026, the final conference of the project “Equal in the Labour Market” was successfully organised by the Savez gluhih i nagluhih grada Zagreba in Zagreb, marking an important milestone in promoting inclusive employment opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing persons.

The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of institutions, organisations, and experts working in the fields of employment and inclusion. In addition, the conference had a strong international dimension, with five representatives from partner countries (Germany, Italy and Estonia) participating in the event. These included youth workers, educators, and project beneficiaries, who contributed valuable perspectives based on their experiences throughout the project.

The conference created a space for meaningful dialogue, exchange of practices, and reflection on the project’s achievements. Participants explored the key barriers that deaf and hard of hearing individuals face in accessing the labour market, such as communication challenges, limited accessibility, and structural inequalities. At the same time, the discussions emphasised the importance of inclusive policies, accessible workplaces, and tailored support measures.

A strong focus was placed on cooperation between public institutions, employers, and civil society organisations. Participants highlighted that only through joint efforts can sustainable and inclusive employment systems be developed as systems that recognise the skills, potential, and contributions of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

The presence of international participants further enriched the discussions, allowing for cross-country exchange of experiences and approaches. Youth workers and educators shared practical insights on how to better support young people with hearing impairments in their transition to the labour market, while beneficiaries reflected on their personal journeys and the impact of the project.

As the final conference of the project, the event served not only as a platform for presenting results but also as an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned and future steps. The knowledge and practices shared during the conference strongly align with the objectives of the Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands: Employment and Entrepreneurship project, which continues to support the empowerment of deaf and hard of hearing youth through education, skills development, and accessible learning opportunities.