Vocational Training Programme 2002

FINAL REPORT

INTRODUCTION:

On April 08, 2002 , two persons namely Rhonda Stevens and Bernard Warner from the Antigua & Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities commenced a Vocational Training Programme at the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) in San Fernando, Trinidad.

A nine-month programme was designed to meet the specific needs of the individuals which included a vocational skill, computer literacy, remedial education, job preparedness and a limited work experience exposure.

The individuals were prepared for national and external examinations which were taken.

ACTIVITIES:

The first two weeks of their arrival was designated to the recruitment process which included interviews, vocational assessment and situational assessment. Following this exercise Rhonda Stevens who is hearing and speech impaired was assigned to the skill area of Office Practice and Bernard Warner who has a physical disability was assigned to woodwork and upholstery.

Both individuals wrote the National Examination in the areas of Office Practice and Woodwork respectively and are awaiting the final grading and certification. However, their test pieces were well received. In the case of Rhonda, she was given the opportunity to write the Pitman Intermediate Typing Examination in December. This is an External Examination from London and she is also awaiting results and certification.

Computer literacy was successfully completed. Rhonda went beyond computer literacy to gain skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access. She was also exposed to a graphic programme. Both Rhonda and Bernard are comfortable with the computer. Rhonda has more skills in this area than Bernard and this is due mainly to her field of study.

Remedial reading, writing and numeracy were pursued. Again, because of the field of study, Rhonda had an advantage over Bernard in this area. Both need to continue work in this area.

Bernard participated in three workshops namely peer counselling, job preparedness and safety and health in the workplace. In all the sessions he participated actively and has reference materials. Rhonda participated in the job preparedness workshop.

Rhonda and Bernard participated in all the sporting activities and the Annual General Meeting of NCPD. Bernard attended the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of DPI monthly meetings and promoted the work of ABAPD.

CONCLUSION:

Rhonda and Bernard successfully completed the nine-month Vocational Training Programme conducted by NCPD. Their performance can be rated as above average. However, they need additional work in the area of remedial education.

The experience that both have undergone was in my view of tremendous value to them and by extension to their organization. They are both now in a position to assist in passing on the information and training which they received during their stay at NCPD to other disabled persons within the ABAPD.

It is therefore recommended that they be given an opportunity to impart to their colleagues some of the information and training to which they were exposed.

In addition to their programme at NCPD, both individuals were exposed to the rich culture of Trinidad and Tobago which they experienced with much enthusiasm.

Beverly Beckles (Ms.)

Chief Executive Officer

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

January 08, 2003