Youth Power Germany e.V. successfully conducted a testing session of the first online learning course developed within the Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands: Employment and Entrepreneurship project. The session brought together 23 young participants, including deaf and hard of hearing youth, creating an inclusive environment for evaluating the course’s content and functionality.

Participants were first introduced to the course objectives, structure, and learning approach. They were then invited to independently explore the modules, allowing facilitators to observe how users interact with the platform and identify potential accessibility challenges. To ensure inclusivity, the session incorporated mobile translation technologies and live captioning tools, enabling deaf and hard of hearing participants to fully engage with both the content and group discussions.

The feedback collected during the session highlighted a strong appreciation for the course’s content. Participants described it as engaging, informative, and easy to follow, noting that it helped them reflect on their career paths and develop new knowledge related to employment and entrepreneurship.

At the same time, the testing provided valuable insights into areas for improvement, particularly in terms of technical accessibility and user experience. Participants identified several aspects that could be enhanced, including text visibility, navigation clarity, and the functionality of accessibility features. Some noted that background images occasionally affected readability, while others pointed out inconsistencies across different devices.

Additional suggestions included introducing a visible progress indicator, improving the accessibility tool with features such as adjustable text size and contrast options, and adding subtitles or sign language elements to video materials. Participants also expressed interest in receiving a certificate upon course completion, which could further motivate engagement and provide added value.

From a youth work and inclusion perspective, these observations underline the importance of continuously adapting digital learning tools to meet diverse needs. The feedback clearly demonstrates that while the course is already relevant and impactful, further improvements can enhance its accessibility and usability for all learners.