Being disabled should not be a reason for anyone to be excluded from getting an education.
Many disabled individuals find it difficult to access programs that cater to their unique needs, especially in the vocational training space.
We have taken some time to identify the best vocational training programs for disabled in 2024.
However, before we look at the three schools we identified, let’s look at the benefits of vocational education.
Vocational training for the disabled offers a chance for employers to bring diversity into the workplace.
People living with disabilities also need to know that there are specific laws that protect them.
Article Table of Contents
The Benefits of Vocational Training for Students with Disabilities
Vocational training is training that focuses more on practical subjects than the theory.
While many students with disabilities find it easier to enroll for a four-year degree, a growing number is starting to realize the benefits of vocational training.
These students are starting to realize that a vocational path takes less time than a conventional university degree.
These programs also cost less.
According to the Community for Accredited Local Schools the completion rate in vocational colleges in the United States is 23 percent higher than that of four-year institutions.
Selecting A Vocational School For The Disabled
People with disabilities have special needs.
This is the reason why the selection of the right school for disabled people is something that should be approached with special care.
The following are some of the things you should ensure are available before enrolling in the school.
Policies. Ask to read the policy of the school when it comes to the education of students with a disability. If the school does not have a policy, it is not good for you. This indicates that the school is not geared towards making the life of people with a disability easier.
Modifications In Buildings. Ensure that the buildings of the school you select have such modifications as elevators, ramps, and other such modifications designed to make someone who uses a wheelchair or crutches move easily around.
Assistive Equipment. Disabled people require modified devices. Look for modified computers, adjustable desks, microphones and headsets, and automatic lights that can make the life of a disabled person easier while they are studying.
The UPMC Vocational Training Center
UPMC is a vocational school that offers vocational programs for adults and individuals living with intellectual disabilities.
The school operates from Pittsburgh in the US State of Pennsylvania.
The training center aims to provide quality training and meaningful work to individuals who would find an organized therapeutic setting suitable.
Students in this school complete real jobs.
They are assessed for work readiness and they are paid for the work they perform while on training.
The Supported Employment Program
Another service offered by this vocational training school is the Supported Employment Program.
This program finds jobs for adults who have disabilities.
This includes people with autism.
Every individual gets assessed to gauge which jobs would be suitable for them.
The program also offers services for high school students who are preparing to enter the job market.
Mailing Services
One of the biggest departments inside which disabled learners get trained for skills that will later be required in the workplace is the Mailing Services for Business.
This center is equipped to handle various sizes of jobs.
Students get supervision from trained staff to process bulk mail and print labels among other such tasks.
To find out more about this vocational college, you can visit their website or call them on 412-235-5465.
They are open from Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nassau Boces Adult Education
Vocational Training – Intensive Support Programs (ISP) at the Nassau Boces Adult Education provides vocational training programs for the disabled through the Intensive Support Program.
The aim of this program is to assist students to learn specific skills that will allow them to enter the workplace.
These programs are available at their BOCES Barry Tech.
Times. Classes for the disabled start at 2:30 pm and end at 6 pm between Monday and Thursday. On Fridays, lessons run between 9 am and 12 pm. Students complete a part of the training on the job with a dedicated supervisor. The college offers courses in fall and spring.
Cost. The cost of the training is $4 300. However, this can change, so students who want to enroll in this college can call the Career Support Services at 516-622-6832 or send an email to adulted@nasboces.org.
Programs Offered
Students with a disability can enroll in the following programs:
- Office Skills
- Pet Care and Grooming
- Stock Inventory
- Culinary Arts
- Building Maintenance
- Direct Care
- Auto Lube Specialist
The Summit Center
The Vocational & Employment Services is a program of the Summit Center.
This program is available for adults with developmental disabilities and those affected by autism who are in the labor market looking for gainful employment.
The program equips individuals with the skills required for accessing and maintaining gainful employment through pre-training that prepares them for vocational training and them supporting them to navigate the labor market when they look for employment.
The aim of this college is to assist disabled people who have developmental disabilities to become productive members of their communities.
Pre-Vocation and Community Experience (P.A.C.E.)
This program offers pre-vocational training aimed at giving students real work experience.
The aim of the program is to encourage individuals to look for gainful employment.
The Summit Center continues to support students even when they are in the workplace.
Eligibility
Individuals should meet the following criteria before enrolling into the program:
- Show a willingness to move to gainful employment
- Possess the ability to work without supervision for short periods of time
- Have basic communication ability
- Be eligible for OPWDD Community Pre-Vocational services
- Possess the ability to learn social grooming and have basic hygiene skills
- Be able to eat and use the toilet independently
For more information about this program, prospective students can download a brochure here.
Final Thoughts
The programs we have included in this article are just a few examples showing that a disability is not an inability.
Students and adults with disabilities can contribute to their societies if they receive the necessary support.
Hey am mandy corum and am interested with this program how can I get started and some info about this
Hi I live in South Carolina and my daughter (23 years old) has a learning disability and I need help finding a good school and job for her.
Please let me know if there anything available in state.
My son is 22years , his milestones are weak already he is going to a school but i want better program.
Can I get better school in Delhi.
My name is Kurt Hooper and I am very interested in your program there at UPMC in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. That is because I am a disabled man who and a traumatic brain injury when I was just berry 3 years old. Right now I am living with my 78 year old mother and also living on my dad’s SSI and will be turning 49 this year as well. I am always on my computer on a daily basis and am very interested in running my own business as well.
Hello,
My son is 19years old with learning disabilities. I am interested in finding a program to help him. Please contact me. Please comtact me.
Anything in Oregon, USA? My son will be 19 soon. Has some significant learning disabilities. A super hard worker. And with one hyper focus project is extremely highly, detailed oriented.
any Vocation Center for adults with special needs around Las Vegas NV ?
Anything in Pittsburgh, PA?
Vocational training for special need children is the only way to to shine in this society,
We are working with same spirit in Pakistan.
great work i am durdana syed from pakistan we are also working for vocational training program for differrently abled student you share great experiance wish you best of luck
Thanks, Scott! I wanted to add that, if you have a young adult child with Down syndrome, be sure to check out Gigi’s Playhouse Career Development Programs! These are free of charge and you will find them in different parts of the US. They offer a 10-week Preparatory course, and then continued with the possibility of job placement.
Hello, I’m Roben Humtsoe from the Indian of Nagaland state. I’m running one disabled ministry in my state imparting life skill training and child care training . I would like to come there and avail of special training at your school. Therefore, I will be grateful to you if you could allow me to come and get the training program. Thank you. God bless.
I work at STARS Scottsdale training and rehabilitation services in Scottsdale Arizona. If anyone is looking for vocational services of this kind, specific to individuals living with special needs in the phoenix area please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! STARSAZ.org
Yes my son has a learning disability could you provide him with the training please his name is Gerson pas I would be so great full for your help
I would say that everyone with disabilities need to get a chance in life to prove they can learn and earned for they future
I have a son who drop out of school because of financial help he is brilliant not hearing properly no speaking properly
But Go about his everyday life he can also drive I seeing help for him which he an adult now very kind loving handsome fellow willing to work hard tell me where can I get help please
I have a daughter with learning problems.
I HAVE MY CHILD WITH DUAVISM AND CHONDRMALASIA
HE IS IN FORM ONE WITH LIMITED MOVEMENT.
I NEED HELP FOR WHEELCHAIR
This really gives me hope. My son is 17 and he has learning challenges.
He has been saying he is not good enough for training, college, or anything like that and he has really been down about it. I was not aware special training programs existed like this.
I think this may make him feel better about his future.
For a downs syndrome child where can i get a vocational training center in hyderabad
Please contact WEDAA BIOPRODUCTS PVT LTD
We train and employ young adults with special needs
I live in South Fulton Georgia. My son has ADD and needs a trade. He is 21 years old and having a problem founding a job.
Hi!
My son who is 34 years old. Is effected with cerebral palsy. An intelligent boy. Articulates well. Computer literate has finished his high school.
Can I please get a guidance for him to do a meaningful vocational program in Houston TX. I live in India at present. My email ID is lalithaviswanathan2003@gmail.com. Please get back to me ASAP. REGARDS Lalitha
Great Job
I have a adult son (23) who is legally blind and autistic. He and we want so badly for him to lead a healthy and productive life which we know he is capable of doing. He’s currently in a day program and we’re in the process of requesting he switch to a personal support program. Any advice or experience you can offer would be appreciated
I am a hearing disabled woman. I am working at Gvt office in Sri Lanka as a Management Assistant. I have needed a training for Information Technologe and Communicaton. Can I train with disable persion training institute in Your country
I would start tomorrow for a further degree but my chances a slim. I am not referring to the ability it is mobility, disability. No technical company has the device software for my needs being totally blind, deaf, mute, partly paralysed. My typing is related to a lipreader support worker. The software is unavailable for this which I have closed doors?
I am slow learner looking out for a vocational training for me plz let me know if there is any immediately
Hi shraddha, I’m Nidhi Nair with learning disability, looking for the same.
Hi Nidhi Nair, if you are living in New York area, I have a vocational training school you could attend, it’s called Abilities Inc. Viscardi Center.
Are you in the dentin texas area ?
hey do you winterhaven fl vocation for disable
Hi Nikkia,
We do not offer any services, this website is informational only.
You can try with any of the schools listed above.
Best of luck!
Do you know the Los Angeles vocational traning for disabilities
Hi Priyangika,
I’m sorry I don’t have any specific information for LA, but I think you’ll find helpful information here:
https://www.edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/Services_for_People_with_Disabilities.htm
Good luck!
Hi, my son is 19yrs, he is slow learner with low cognitive skills, I am looking for a vocational training institute in Canada, for international students. Pls help me out🙏. Thank you
Hi contact department of rehabilitation for disabilities.They will guide you.I have a child a with autism