International Academic Research Highlights EKLYA’s Inclusive EPCD Programme
The EPCD programme (Employé Polyvalent du Commerce et de la Distribution) developed by EKLYA School of Business has reached a new milestone in its recognition. An international academic publication, co-authored by Laurent Téoule-Dorey and Sébastien Arcos, examines the role played by institutional stakeholders, companies and funding partners in the design and implementation of this innovative programme supporting the professional inclusion of neurodiverse young people.
EKLYA’s EPCD programme at the heart of international academic research
Following its implementation at the EKLYA School of Business campus in Écully, near Lyon, France, the EPCD programme has now also become a subject of academic research.
The study addresses a key question in the successful development of inclusive education: how can institutional stakeholders and funding partners contribute to the effective design, support and implementation of an educational programme promoting the professional inclusion of neurodiverse individuals?
The research focuses on the programme developed by EKLYA to support young people, including students with Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in preparing for careers in the retail and distribution sectors.
The publication therefore provides an academic perspective on an initiative launched in Écully, within the Lyon metropolitan area, and examines the conditions required to turn a commitment to inclusion into a concrete educational and professional pathway.
An inclusive model built on cooperation between multiple stakeholders
One of the defining features of the EPCD programme is the mobilisation of a genuine ecosystem around its students.
The research examines the perceptions and expectations of the external stakeholders directly involved in the project, including administrative authorities, political stakeholders, educational institutions and partners, host companies and funding organisations.
This cooperation is essential to address the different dimensions of an inclusive pathway: adapted teaching methods, programme funding, workplace immersion, individual student support and preparation for integration into the workplace.
The programme demonstrates that professional inclusion cannot depend on a single organisation. It requires schools, institutions, companies and partners to work together towards a shared objective.
Adapted education with a clear focus on employment
The EPCD – Employé Polyvalent du Commerce et de la Distribution – programme was designed to provide a pathway adapted to the specific needs of its students while maintaining strong links with the realities of the workplace.
Students study on the same campus as other EKLYA learners and progressively develop the skills required to work in the retail and distribution sectors.
The programme combines adapted learning methods, practical professional situations, soft-skills development and preparation for workplace immersion.
Its objective is clear: to enable students to develop greater autonomy and professional skills in order to support their long-term inclusion in mainstream employment.
Companies as key players in professional inclusion
For inclusive education to lead effectively to employment, the involvement of companies is essential.
The role of partner organisations goes beyond providing internships or work-study opportunities. It also involves preparing teams, identifying suitable professional environments and progressively supporting students as they enter the workplace.
This connection between education and the corporate world is at the heart of the model developed by EKLYA.
It makes it possible to work simultaneously on students’ skills and on organisations’ ability to welcome and support greater diversity within their teams.
Is your company interested in supporting the EPCD programme? Contact EKLYA to become a partner.
A programme that also prepares future managers for inclusion
The inclusive dimension of the EPCD project extends beyond the students enrolled in the programme.
Neurodiverse learners study on the EKLYA campus alongside students enrolled in the school’s other business and management programmes.
This environment helps raise awareness among future managers, sales professionals and business leaders about disability, neurodiversity and professional inclusion.
The programme therefore operates on two levels: supporting young people towards employment while also helping to change the perceptions and professional practices of the generations who will recruit and manage tomorrow’s teams.
From educational innovation to academic research
This international publication marks a new stage in the development of the EPCD programme.
The initiative is no longer viewed solely through its educational outcomes or its impact on students and companies. It is now the subject of academic analysis aimed at documenting the conditions required for a successful inclusive educational project.
This research also provides an opportunity to share EKLYA’s experience with the international academic community and contribute more broadly to discussions surrounding inclusive education, neurodiversity and access to employment.
It therefore contributes to the international visibility of EKLYA School of Business and its inclusive education model beyond the Lyon metropolitan area.
What is EKLYA’s EPCD programme?
The EPCD (Employé Polyvalent du Commerce et de la Distribution) programme is an inclusive training pathway developed by EKLYA to support young people, including those with Down syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder, in preparing for careers in retail and distribution.
Where is the EPCD programme offered?
The programme is delivered at the EKLYA School of Business campus in Écully, in the Lyon metropolitan area, France.
What does the academic research on the EPCD programme examine?
The publication examines the role of institutional, educational, economic and financial stakeholders in the effective design and implementation of an educational project supporting the professional inclusion of neurodiverse individuals.
Why are companies important to the EPCD programme?
Companies enable students to apply their learning in real professional environments and play a key role in creating pathways towards work-study opportunities and mainstream employment.
Who authored the academic publication?
The research on the EPCD programme was co-authored by Laurent Téoule-Dorey, lecturer and researcher at EKLYA, and Sébastien Arcos, Director of EKLYA School of Business.