AN INVESTIGATION INTO VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY AT THE DZORWULU SPECIAL SCHOOL.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to investigate the vocational training programmes for persons with intellectual disabilities at the Dzorwulu Special School. A total sample of seven (7) respondents were selected with the purposive sampling strategy. Basically, the interview guide was the research instrument used in the study. The study found that there are different kinds of vocational training programmes for persons with intellectual disabilities in the Dzorwulu Special School. Some of the vocational training programmes run at the school include agriculture (poultry and gardening), ironing, doormat weaving, bead making, key holder designing as well as hairdressing and the garment making. Also, it came up that there is enough stock of material resources available for use at the school. It was however established that the materials and equipment available are not those that are supported by technology hence the need to acquire sufficient equipment for Information and Communication Technology and audio-visual aids for more successful training programmes at the school . Furthermore, the study found that there is good teacher-related service collaboration. However, that was just on capacity and in-service training for the teachers. There is therefore the need to establish team work involving related service personnel from different disciplines such as speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, vocational therapist, and physical in training the students. Finally, the study brought to light that the main challenge facing the Dzorwulu Special School for the intellectually disabled was funding. Attempts made to get extra funding from well-wishers and philanthropist have mostly come out unsuccessful. The study recommended that the government must ensure that enough funds is made available for the programmes. Also, the Headmaster and other stakeholders must engage in other fundraising activities to raise enough funds for the programmes.