Inclusive vocational education and training for persons with disabilities in Albania – Evaluation Report

Inclusive vocational education and training for persons with disabilities in Albania – Evaluation Report

May 30, 2022

“Inclusive vocational education and training for persons with disabilities in Albania” is an evaluation report prepared to identify the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the public vocational education and training system in Albania. The methodology of this study is based on a qualitative approach, based on internationally recognized criteria and factors, which enable an inclusive vocational education and training system for persons with disabilities. For purposes of analysing the issues addressed in this study, three dimensions of the Index for Inclusion were taken into account: (i) creating an inclusive culture; (ii) producing inclusive policies; (iii) evolving inclusive practices. Fifteen focus groups were organized, with the participation of 106 stakeholders to gather their views, understanding and perceptions on the key challenges that people with disabilities face before entering, while learning in vocational schools and their integration in the labour market.

The findings of the report indicate the presence of several real obstacles, which complicate the inclusion of this community in the VET system. The results of the study show that obstacles towards inclusion and issues to be improved are linked to the culture of inclusion of VET institutions, parents, school and business community. In addition, the study focusses on the analysis of the VET legal and policy frameworks in Albania, on identifying issues and providing recommendations for potential future improvements towards the implementation of an inclusive VET system. The findings serve as a guide towards improving the identification and referral process, assessing the skills for vocational education and training, working on individual plans, adjusting the curricula, tools and equipment, improving the employment transition plans, increasing the number of staff members and support services, both during the teaching and transition processes, as well as in the workplace.