Seven future occupational therapists from HELHa took part in an exchange in Morocco for a project focused on using artificial intelligence to support the inclusion of students with special needs in higher education.
Comparing practices in Belgium and Morocco
Supported by ARES (Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur), this project aims to integrate artificial intelligence into higher education in ways that promote the inclusion of students with special needs, both in Morocco and in Belgium.
During their stay in Morocco, HELHa students had the opportunity to meet artificial intelligence experts and to visit the Raafiq Center, an institution dedicated to people with neurodevelopmental disorders.
“The visit to the Raafiq Center gave me the opportunity to observe multidisciplinary care in this day center for children and to understand how the different work sessions are organized. I found the assessments and activities proposed to be interesting and somewhat different from those in Belgium. This experience will likely be beneficial for my future professional career.”
An exchange that was both educational… and cultural
The project began with an analysis of the needs and wishes of students with special needs in two partner institutions. This made it possible to identify the most relevant AI tools to support their academic journey and success.
The first steps took place online through TEAMS meetings between the seven HELHa occupational therapy students and six Moroccan students from the Faculty of Mohamed V University. The project concluded with a week spent in Rabat, which included visits to the cities of Salé and Casablanca. Our students particularly enjoyed the cultural richness of the experience.
Learn more about international mobility opportunities in Occupational Therapy
To be continued
The project will continue remotely between January and April 2025, leading to the creation of an educational tool to be shared within both institutions. The aim is to promote equal opportunities for all while staying aligned with the evolving learning environment and integrating AI as a tool for academic success.
Published on 24 January 2025
HELHa Health