Atrium Research & Innovatie b.v. (Sittard-Geleen, Netherlands) (Atrium Research & Innovation Ltd) 

Type:
Atrium Research & Innovatie BV (in English: Atrium Research & Innovation Ltd, is a private company)From 1993 on ATRIUM Research and Innovation and its predecessor FASTT have accumulated experience and expertise in using advanced telematics applications in work and training environments. This includes procedures and technologies for learning and working on distance. In this way the activities contribute to create additional means of employment for people with special needs. ATRIUM Research and Innovation provides adapted, individualised training programmes to unemployed disadvantaged people, including disabled, to help them become experienced users of telematics in business administration, general office work and commercial environments. 

Size:
8 staff, 4,5 fte 

Expertise:

ATRIUM (FASTT) originated from a European international exchange and development programme for disabled trainees and tutors, funded by PETRA (PE31/32) and in later years by Leonardo: FLAIR-Placements (NL97/1/44075/E/I.1.2.a). Form 1993 on Atrium (FASTT), developed and implemented specific training programmes for people with special needs. This resulted among others in the creation of a powerful business simulation concept: the REALISE-project. This project was subsequently funded by different European Commission Programmes: Euroform 91802NL8/53; Horizon NL97/H/007; ESF, objective 2 (97 18 2802). Over the years the technological research and development has focused more and more on user oriented applications of information and communication technology, including technically advanced concepts as digital enterprising and co-operative work in a virtual office. A fine example of the results obtained is the Periphera-project and a very specific initiative coming forth from Periphera: the Information Society (dis)Ability Challenge, the ISdAC-project, involving among others ATRIUM/FASTT, that won the European Telework Award 1997. This line of R&D has been funded by the ERDF (EFRO 93304) and the Fourth Framework Technology-programme: TURA (UR1022).  Over the years Atrium (FASTT) has participated in and initiated various educational research and development projects which received financial support from the Education and Culture Directorate of the European Commission (formerly DG 22, including Leonardo da Vinci, Socrates and Connect): FLAIR (as project promoter/coordinator); DELFOS; MESTRE, ACTIVE, TELNET, SNOW (as a sub­contractor to CESO-Maastricht), Digital Literacy.  In 2005 Atrium is again involved in a number of European projects, financed by the EAC Directorate of the EC: ·         PACE (Leonardo da Vinci), promoted by Atrium; ·         PELLEA (Socrates Grundtvig), designed by Atrium, promoted by Odense Tekniske Skole); ·         CORA (Socrates Grundtvig) promoted by Stockport College; ·         EDYCATE (Leonardo da Vinci, as subcontractor to CESO); ·         ONLINE (Leonardo da Vinci), ·         SOCIAL RETURN (Leonardo da Vinci), designed by Atrium, promoted by Social Service of Husavik (IS),·         PRO-ACT (Joint Actions), promoted by Stockport College (UK), ·         FACE VALUE (Joint Actions, promoted by Transit Projectes (ES).·         STARS (Socrates Accompanying Measure, promoted by CSCS Montesca (IT) 

Specific tasks:

Contribute to database of best practice + support organising a transnational meeting.

Lecture on e-portfolio. 

Personnel:

pedagogical staff, 1,5 fte