PARTICIPATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE LABOUR MARKET: THE ROLE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Abstract

This study aims to identify the notion of obtaining job opportunities for people with disabilities (PWDs) in Myanmar. The issue of getting a job is incredibly significant to improving living standards, getting a better income and increasing self-esteem in society. Regarding international human rights treaties, PWDs have equal rights to access public transportation accessibility and live independently in society. However, PWDs are still struggling twice as much in society to access vocational trainings, job opportunities and improve income in Myanmar. Thus, many organizations also aim to create job opportunities and income credibility by supporting various vocational trainings. For instance, understanding the challenges of vocational designs, the hardships of participating in the employment market, and limitations in accessing job opportunities are extremely important issue to analyze for creating job opportunity for PWDs. This study analyzes the teaching design of vocational trainings, the application of trainees in the community, the aspect of formal and informal employers and the planning of vocational institutions which attempts to find employment opportunities for PWDs. In particular, this study interviews: 1) vocational institutions which train persons with physical and visual impairments, 2) formal employers, 3) informal businesses of PWDs, 4) different key informants from DPOs, private vocational schools and related government sectors in Yangon, Myanmar. Key findings in this study found that vocational training explicitly focused on rehabilitation and could only provide basic vocational skills, which are not adequate in order to participate in the labor market directly. Consequently, full participation in education is a crucial starting point to access vocational training and enter the labor market. When considering employment opportunities for PWDs, market-oriented vocational training and state intervention could bring more job opportunities for PWDs in practice.