Module 1. Contemporary Understanding of Disability and Inclusion in Vocational Education and Training

What actually creates disability – a person’s impairment or the barriers they encounter in learning and everyday life?

The first module of the “Trainer’s Guide” introduces a contemporary understanding of disability and inclusion and helps participants view the educational environment from the perspective of human rights and equal opportunities.

The material explores the concepts of disability and diversity, the principles of inclusive learning, appropriate terminology for persons with disabilities, and the main barriers that may restrict learners’ participation in the educational process: physical, communication, institutional, and attitudinal barriers.

Particular attention is paid to practical solutions that VET providers can use to support learners with diverse needs. The module also explains the charity, medical, social, and human-rights models of disability and shows how different understandings of disability influence approaches to education, support, and participation.

The material will be useful for trainers, teaching staff, managers, and other professionals in VET providers who are working to create an accessible and inclusive educational environment.

Module 1 is part of the "Trainer's Guide" developed within the framework of the project "Inclusive Vocational Education: Improving Learning for Veterans and People with Disabilities."

The project is implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine together with CBM within the framework of the Multi-Donor Initiative Skills4Recovery.

The Multi-donor initiative Skills4Recovery is co-funded by the European Union, Germany, Poland, Estonia and Denmark and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL).