Strength of Relationship between Vocational Learning programs and Educational Qualification on Deaf Employment

Abstract

Employment opportunities of deaf is a subject of concern as deafness is construed as invisible disability. This misleading portrayal make deaf a minority group with lesser opportunities to find work and improve theireconomic status. The social acceptance in the mainstream is another challenge faced by deaf. The Government policies and NGO support is encouraging but that pertains to the disability clan which includes other disabilities as well. At the same time, the educational qualifications acquired have a major contributing role towards generating numbers for deaf employment. However, the number of jobs generated for deaf do not fulfil the demand with which the deaf are increasing every day. In a scenario where the social fabric is not yet evolved to consider females as equal partners, deaf females all the more being a minority group are deprived of opportunities for being economically independent. They are left to the mercy of parents. Educational qualification acquired with current mandates on facilities to be provided to deaf students are yet to mature. The competitive world on platform of equality tends to evaluate the capabilities of deaf with a stereotype eye and biased perception.  Vocational learning programs are another parallel trajectory which is driven by learning the skill level and direct the deaf people to move in a planned direction. All the above impose challenge towards employment of deaf. This study aims to look at the strength of relationship existing between vocational learning and educational qualification of deaf on deaf-employment.