This study assessed the provision of vocational skills to learners with disabilities
(LWDs) in the Tanzania Folk Development Colleges (FDCs). The study employed both
qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and survey design. It was conducted in
Arnautoglu, Kisarawe and Bigwa FDCs, in Dar es Salaam, Coast and Morogoro regions,
respectively. The FDCs were selected because of their employed inclusive approach of
enrolling and teaching LWDs.
The study sample was 80 respondents which included LWDs, tutors, College Principals
and the Ministry of Community Development Women Affairs and Children official who
were selected through purposive and stratified sampling techniques. The techniques used
in data collection were semi-structured interviews, observations, documentary reviews
and questionnaires.
The findings revealed that, although vocational skills seemed to be very useful to LWDs,
the status of providing these skills was poor as all surveyed FDCs were not prepared to
reasonably accommodate learners with different types of disabilities. The teaching
process was also ineffective due to poor teaching preparations and inadequate support
from the institution administration. It was recommended that the Government should
mobilize funds to improve infrastructures status and ensure availability of relevant and
adequate teaching and learning materials for inclusive FDCs. Furthermore, other studies
need to be conducted on provision of specific vocational skills to LWDs.