Opening the first formal vocational training window to young people with autism
They stood tall and confident talking of their hopes as their parents watched with pride……on a new and pioneering pathway not only for themselves but also for others.
Excitement and expectation in the New Year for a group very much a part of our society, but usually much-neglected and stigmatized without being given the opportunity to exhibit their skills.
Memorable moments such as a youth on spotting a friend who has arrived late, waving frantically to him to come and sit by him; another while announcing his details in front of the audience, glancing at his mother for confidence; and still another moving forward to give her speech upending the scheduled speaker. So similar to all of us, though society considers wrongfully that they are very different to us.
The 10-member group has Amasha Dewmini Ferdinans (16) from Colombo 4; P.P. Janani Bimsara (18) from Maharagama; Dilan Philip Fernando (33) from Watttala; Janandith Ariyasinghe (18) from Kelaniya; S.R.K. Maulana (18) from Angoda; Sarani Nindula Mahadurage (28) from Maharagama; D.R. Seniru Dulmina (17) from Dehiowita; Tharuka Nethmira (18) from Peliyagoda; Venuraka Prathihar Botheju (17) from Gothatuwa; and L.M. Yashoda Sandeepa (21) from Colombo 5.
It is a first and the punctual and brief ‘Inauguration of the EQUITAS Launch – ICT Technician NVQ Level II Programme for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)’ was held on a Tuesday (January 9). Aptly, the ceremony was in the Smart Classroom of the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) of Sri Lanka at Narahenpita under the benevolent gaze of portraits of four world ‘greats’.
Only a few may realize that these geniuses – Italian polymath and painter Leonardo da Vinci; British biologist Charles Darwin who first came up with evolutionary biology; American inventor Thomas Alva Edison who produced the electric bulb; and German-born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein – were autistic.
Explaining the concept behind this ‘Pilot Programme on Employment Linked to Promoting Vocational Training for Early School-leavers with Autism’, Lecturer in Social Work, T.H. Rasika Samanmalee attached to the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, says that many children drop out in their secondary school years.
Her passion for special needs youth is obvious as at the function, she has given centrestage to them to show that they have unique identities and hopes.
“The reasons why children dropout of school are not known but could be multiple. Some who may have learning difficulties may not be able to cope with the curriculum. There is no provision to retain them so that they reach their potential which may create an opportunity for a job,” she says, reiterating that children with ASD need special mention.
Focusing on them, Ms. Samanmalee says that they are at high risk of dropping out of school early, despite many having a normal, above average or superior intellectual ability and good memory capacity. Their poor skills in social interaction and social communication make them lose interest and motivation. They avoid peer interaction and prefer to stay at home and engage in activities of their preference such as gaming.
This was why in June 2023 (last year), Ms. Samanmalee walked into the VTA with a concept paper to develop ICT (Information & Communication Technology) vocational training for this group of students.
It is Emeritus Professor and Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Prof. Hemamali Perera, who had encouraged Ms. Samanmalee in this mission, having seen how Danish employers were very keen to have special needs employees for IT work, as they were committed to the task at hand. These youth had “special” skills – intense concentration and high focus.
Added Ms. Samanmalee: “Today we open a window to many young people with autism to enjoy their right to vocational training for independent living.”
Joining hands with VTA is Australian Aid through ‘Skills for Inclusive Growth’ (S4IG), with the curriculum being developed in coordination with the Department of Inclusive Education of the National Institute of Education (NIE). S4IG, managed by Palladium, is a project of the Australian Government.
Hailing it a “special” day, VTA’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Prasanna Ranasinghe said that the VTA functioned under a powerful Act and they were bound to support different programmes.
“These youth, dedicated to whatever they undertake, are a vital segment in the country’s job landscape,” he said, requesting their parents to be a bulwark, encouraging them.
Mr. Ranasinghe added that this pilot project would act as a launching pad for many programmes for those with special needs.
The Team Leader of S4IG, Stephen Lodziak calling the initiative “exciting”, reiterated that it was also “incredibly important”.
Explaining that S4IG has extended its support to VTA since mid-2022, Mr. Lodziak lauded the VTA for providing ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as extra time when assessing and training those with special needs.
VTA’s Kasun Tharanga presented the course plan under which the trainees would acquire Level 2 of Competency Standard for ICT Technician for a career as a ‘Data Entry Operator’.
The trainees could proceed to degree level if they wished, while the course was heavily linked to industry – three days in the classroom and two days interning at IT industries.
The Director (People and Culture) Gamma Pizzacraft Lanka, Nuwan Jayaweera, said that currently Pizza Hut employs 100 People with Disabilities (PWDs), with the aim of having 300 more in two years. This would make 10% of Pizza Hut’s workforce PWDs by 2025.