Module 4. Presentation 4.1. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and Interagency Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training

How can a learner’s needs be identified by looking not only at information about their health condition, but above all at how the person learns, interacts with the environment, and participates in the educational process?

Topic 4.1, “International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and Interagency Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training”, introduces the biopsychosocial approach to understanding disability and shows how it can be used when organising vocational education and training.

This material examines the main components of the ICF: body functions and structures, activities, participation, personal factors, and environmental factors. This approach helps participants analyse not only difficulties, but also a person’s strengths and resources, and identify barriers that may restrict their participation in learning.

Particular attention is given to interagency cooperation. Participants are invited to determine which learner needs the VET provider can address using its own resources and when partnership and the involvement of other professionals and services are required.

The practical component is based on analysing real-life and educational situations. Participants learn to identify key barriers to a person’s participation in vocational education and training, recognise their strengths, and select priority changes in the educational environment.

The material will be useful for trainers, teaching staff, and administrators of VET providers who want to plan support based on the actual needs of a specific individual and create conditions for their full participation in learning.

Module 4 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).