Inclusive TVET: Strategies for Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Building Technology Skills

Abstract

This study examined inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategy for empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by enhancing their access to skills development, employability, and social participation. Basically, the study explored the significance of inclusive TVET, identified effective strategies for participation, and determined challenges hindering implementation. A descriptive survey design was adopted, focusing on stakeholders at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State. The sample comprised 10 instructors and 30 learners with various disabilities selected through purposive and accidental sampling. Data were collected using a validated researcher-designed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.78. Findings revealed that inclusive TVET significantly supports PWDs in developing employable skills, improving self-confidence, promoting economic independence, enhancing social integration, and contributing to national development. However, results indicated that inclusive TVET does not automatically guarantee equal learning opportunities without deliberate accommodations. Key challenges included inadequate funding, shortage of trained instructors, negative societal attitudes, poor infrastructure, limited assistive materials, and weak policy implementation, while lack of awareness was not found to be a major barrier to enrolment. Effective strategies identified to addressing the challenges included provision of assistive technologies, instructor training in inclusive pedagogy, government funding, flexible curriculum design, disability-friendly infrastructure, public awareness initiatives, and collaboration with advocacy groups. The study concludes that inclusive TVET is a vital pathway for empowering PWDs but requires sustained policy commitment, institutional reforms, stakeholder collaboration, and targeted resource allocation to achieve meaningful and equitable outcomes.