Innovative Practice 2017 on Employment, Work and Vocational Education and Training
IT Training for people with disabilities
| Name of Innovative Practice: | IT raining for people with disabilities |
|---|---|
| Organisation: | Catholic Relief Services, Information Technology Training Programme (ITTP) |
| Country of Implementation | United States / Vietnam |
PROBLEMS TARGETED
Vocational training programmes in Viet Nam usually do not attract people with disabilities, as they are often not designed to provide the prerequisites for the inclusion of people with disabilities.
SOLUTION & METHODOLOGY
Since 2007, CRS – jointly with three training institutions in Viet Nam – has been offering IT courses to people with disabilities in the fields of software engineering, graphic design, architectural engineering design, and web management.
Businesses and employers have been involved in the curriculum design, in providing internships, in organizing exposure visits to get students familiar with various working environments, and in recruitment (which is vital for the training outcomes). The programme also offers courses in soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, how to prepare a job application, as well as gender-based violence prevention. In addition, ITTP has created an alumni network, which provides graduates of the programme the opportunity to cooperate with and support one another. The involvement of organizations of persons with disabilities together with the alumni network promotes self-confidence, self-help networks, and social inclusion as well as job opportunities.
OUTLOOK & TRANSFERABILITY
The ITTP has received funding from the United States Agency for International Development and from CRS, as well as cost shares from the three training institution partners. Since 2015, ITTP has been self-financed by the training partners using funds raised from businesses and philanthropists. Families of youth with disabilities are requested to contribute to living costs. Youth with special economic difficulties still receive support from the training institutions. For example, the six-month training course costs US$300 – 450, and a 12-month course costs US$ 1,200 – 2,000. Costs include study materials and equipment, as well as support for studying in English.
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