VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

374 VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AN OVERVIEW VTC provides vocational training and supportive s...
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VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AN OVERVIEW VTC provides vocational training and supportive services for students/people with disabilities through its Vocational Training for People with Disabilities Section (VTPDS). The Section aims to train students/people with disabilities skills and knowledge they need to secure open employment or to pursue further vocational training and education. This is achieved by implementation of the following activities:

- Assessing the requirements of vocational training places, and vocational assessment services to ascertain applicants’ eligibility as well as providing such places and services; - Providing vocational training and supportive services to meet the special needs of students and people with disabilities; and - Operating the three Shine Skills Centre (Kwun Tong, Shine Skills Centre (Tuen Mun) and Skills Centre (Pokfulam), Shine Vocational Assessment Service and Shine Technical Aids and Resources Centre. In addition to the administration of Shine Skills Centres, Shine Vocational Assessment Service and Shine Technical Aids & Resource Centre, the VTPDS participates in the enrolment process and provides expert advice and assistance for people with disabilities in their application for admission to Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), School of Business and Information Systems (SBI), Youth College (YC) and Pro-Act Training and Development Centres, etc. It also provides support and services for students with disabilities in these training institutions. Such services include assistance in enrolment, liaison with teaching staff regarding special teaching needs, provision of technical aids, counselling and other arrangements to facilitate study as well as special assistance for examination or test arrangements. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE The VTPDS is advised by the Committee on Vocational Training for People with Disabilities. The work involves the operation of Shine Skills Centres for students/ people with disabilities, and the provision of Shine Vocational Assessment Service, Shine Technical Aids & Resource Centre and other support services under the following committee structure. Vocational Training Council Shine Skills Centre Academic Board

ApL(ID) Programme Skills Test Programme Committee Committee Co-ordination Committee Board of ApL(ID) Assessment

Trade/ Subject Working Parties

Board of Skills Test Award

Committee on Vocational Training for People with Disabilities (Advisory Role) Shine Vocational Assessment Service Committee

Shine Technical Aids & Resources Centre Services Committee

Subcommittees: - Vocational Counselling Service - Social Work Service - Healthcare Service

Vocational Training for People with Disabilities

LIST OF SHINE SKILLS CENTRES At present, three Shine Skills Centres are operated by VTC and advised by the Committee on Vocational Training for People with Disabilities. Their main purpose is to provide vocational training for people with disabilities aged 15 or above in order to enhance their employment prospects. Shine Skills Centre (Kwun Tong) Shine Skills Centre (Kwun Tong), established in 1968, is located near Kwun Tong MTR station. There are well-equipped training workshops, classrooms and other special rooms such as a library, a drawing room, an audio-visual aids room, a multimedia language laboratory, computer rooms, a ceramic workshop, a gymnasium, a medical room, a canteen and indoor and outdoor recreational areas.

In AY 2011/12, the Centre offers 282 full-time training places for students/people with disabilities and 72 part-time evening training places. It also provides special training programmes of Massage Service for the visually impaired. The Shine Vocational Assessment Service is co-located with the Centre. Shine Skills Centre (Tuen Mun) Shine Skills Centre (Tuen Mun), established in mid-1991, is the first Shine Skills Centre built with boarding facilities for students with disabilities. Accommodation in the Centre includes 16 well-equipped training rooms/workshops, e.g. Integrated Service rooms, Packaging Service workshop, Basic Catering Service rooms, Bakery room, Design and Desktop Publishing room, Office Practice rooms, Commercial and Retailing Service rooms, Printing training room, Computer and Network Practice room and Hotel training room, classrooms and other facilities such as a library, a multimedia language laboratory, a gymnasium, a medical room, a canteen and indoor and outdoor recreational areas.

In AY 2011/12, the Centre offers 237 full-time training places for people with disabilities, with 96 of which are residential places. The Shine Vocational Assessment Service and Shine Technical Aids and Resources Centre are co-located with the Centre. Shine Skills Centre (Pokfulam) Shine Skills Centre (Pokfulam), established in 1999, is the only Shine Skills Centre on Hong Kong Island for students with disabilities. The proximity of the Shine Skills Centre to VTC Pokfulam Complex also enables the Shine Skills Centre to attain greater integration in the training of the students with disabilities and the mainstream students, an integration which enhances the open employment prospects of the students.

In 2011/12, the Centre offers 45 full-time training places for students with disabilities. The Shine Vocational Assessment Service is co-located with the Centre.

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ACADEMIC STRUCTURE OF THE SHINE SKILLS CENTRES SHINE SKILLS CENTRE ACADEMIC BOARD Terms of Reference To formulate and endorse academic and training policies and regulations concerning the operations of Shine Skills Centres, including the following matters:

a) b)

admission policies including admission framework and criteria, admission requirements, equivalence of qualifications, eligibility for admission, status of overseas qualification, special offers, and grade point conversion; and guidelines regarding implementation of academic regulations such as attendance requirements, penalty to cheating, etc.

To consider annual programme strategic plans from the Programme Sub-Committee. To formulate strategies for the development of Shine Skills Centres to meet the needs of industry and to provide input to the draft of the annual strategic plans submitted to Council. To translate the relevant decisions of the Council into implementation guidelines for Shine Skills Centres. To decide on academic and training issues including: a) b) c) d) e) f) g)

academic structure, progression route and the award system; training programme structure and systems; the curriculum framework of generic subjects; programme plans; new programmes and restructuring of existing programmes; skills test/examination results and awards; and assessment and grading/marking system.

To review the systems and processes of Shine Skills Centres for ensuring the quality of the programmes. To receive reports, including assessment reports from Shine Skills Centres. To decide on the structure of its committees and to oversee their work. To advise on any other matters referred to it by the Council. Composition Chairman Assistant Executive Director, VTPDS

Vocational Training for People with Disabilities

Members Managers and Officer-in-charge of Training of VTC Shine Skills Centres

Inspector, Planning and Support Services One member of teaching/instructional staff from each VTC Shine Skills Centre to be elected from among themselves One member of teaching/instructional staff from the Shine Vocational Assessment Service to be elected from among themselves One member of support service staff from each VTC Shine Skills Centre to be elected from among themselves Secretary Officer Note: The term of office is two years, the maximum number of term of office for elected/nominated members is three years.

APL(ID) PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATION SUB-COMMITTEE Terms of Reference To maintain regular reviews on the needs for new ApL(ID) programmes and the operation of the existing programmes to ensure the continuous development, improvement and relevance of the programmes;

To set academic and training standards and maintain the quality of the ApL(ID) programmes, establish procedures for the effective management of the programmes and oversee their implementation; To seek advice from the Shine Skills Centre Academic Board / Committee on Vocational Training for People with Disabilities on the strategic development, programme planning, curriculum development and quality assurance of the ApL(ID) programmes under its purview; To set up Board of ApL(ID) Assessment to consider the assessment results of students; To liaise and collaborate with relevant boards and committees (e.g. the Foundation Studies Board, Applied Learning Programme Board, etc.) on matters related to the delivery, quality and development of ApL(ID) programmes and the assessment/ progression of students; To maintain regular and effective contact with external bodies in the promotion, evaluation and development of programmes and to institute a comprehensive staff development plan to enhance teaching and learning; To make recommendations on suitable candidates for external examiners for consideration by the Shine Skills Centre Academic Board; and To undertake any other tasks referred to it by the Shine Skills Centre Academic Board.

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Composition Chairman Nominated by the Chairman of the Shine Skills Centre Academic Board Deputy Chairman A staff member from the ApL Team/HQ1 Members All Managers of the Shine Skills Centres

All Programme Leaders of the ApL(ID) Programmes Co-opted Members On a need basis at the invitation of Chairman Secretary A staff member from the Vocational Training for People with Disabilities Section nominated by the Chairman Note: The term of office is two years.

PROGRAMME SUB-COMMITTEE Terms of Reference To maintain regular review and evaluation of programmes within the Programme Committee’s ambit to ensure the continuous development, improvement and relevance of programmes to meet employment opportunities and skills requirements;

To ensure that the programmes fulfill the requirements of the industries, students’ needs and other accreditation authorities where necessary; To advise on the provision of learning and teaching resources required for the delivery of the programmes; To advise on programme planning, curriculum development and quality assurance of the programmes under its purview; and To report the Committee’s activities to the Academic Committee. Composition Chairman Head, Vocational Training for People with Disabilities Section or Representative (SL rank or equivalent) nominated by the Assistant Executive Director Deputy Chairman An ex-officio member elected among themselves

Vocational Training for People with Disabilities

Members Representative of Non-governmental Organisations

Representative from Selective Placement Division, Labour Department Representative of Hong Kong Special Schools Council Manager, Shine Skills Centre (Kwun Tong) Manager, Shine Skills Centre (Tuen Mun) Officer-in-charge , Shine Skills Centre (Pokfulam) Co-opted Members Other teaching staff and external members invited at the discretion of the Committee Secretary To be appointed by the Chairman Assistant Secretary To be appointed by the Chairman Note: The term of office is two years.

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SKILLS TEST SUB-COMMITTEE Terms of Reference To co-ordinate the preparation of skills test and assessments of student performance;

To monitor question papers and marking schemes for skills test; To appoint setters and vetters for skills test and to organise and conduct meetings for this purpose as necessary; To ensure that skills test are organised and conducted in accordance with the skills test regulations; To propose and review the skills test regulations and assessment schemes; and To compile skills test results and to prepare consolidated mark sheets for submission to the Board of Skills Test Award for endorsement. Composition Chairman A VTC Shine Skills Centre Manager to be nominated by the Head of Vocational Training for People with Disabilities Section Members One Inspector nominated by the Head of Vocational Training for People with Disabilities Section

One senior teaching/instructional staff member from Shine Skills Centre (Kwun Tong) nominated by its Manager One senior teaching/instructional staff member from Shine Skills Centre (Tuen Mun) nominated by its Manager One senior teaching/instructional staff member from Shine Skills Centre (Pokfulam) nominated by its Officer-in-charge of Training Secretary A senior teaching/instructional staff member from Shine Skills Centre nominated by the Chairman Note: The term of office is two years.

Vocational Training for People with Disabilities

BOARD OF SKILLS TEST AWARD Terms of Reference To determine the award to students on the completion of a training module/ programme in accordance with:

- the Programme Scheme proposed by the Programme Sub-Committee and approved by the Committee on Vocational Training for People with Disabilities; - the skills test regulations and assessment schemes; and - any other relevant decisions as may be determined by the Board on the basis of operational needs and experience; To ensure that the participation of Moderators and Examiners is included as and when required by the Programme Scheme; and To prepare pass-lists, including the award of merits, for submission to the Shine Skills Centre Academic Board. Composition Chairman A VTC Shine Skills Centre Manager to be nominated by the Head of Vocational Training for People with Disabilities Section Members One Inspector nominated by the Head of Vocational Training for People with Disabilities Section

One senior teaching/instructional staff member from Shine Skills Centre (Kwun Tong) nominated by its Manager One senior teaching/instructional staff member from Shine Skills Centre (Tuen Mun) nominated by its Manager One senior teaching/instructional staff member from Shine Skills Centre (Pokfulam) nominated by its Officer-in-charge of Training Secretary A senior teaching/instructional staff member from Shine Skills Centre nominated by the Chairman Note: The term of office is two years.

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SHINE VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT SERVICE SUB-COMMITTEE Terms of Reference To review and update vocational assessment programmes to meet the changing trend in the open and supported employment markets;

To advise on the acquisition of external professional support for the service; To advise on the acquisition of new vocational assessment materials, equipment and resources; To establish rules and guidelines for the admission and discharge of rehabilitees; To make recommendations for staff development; and To advise the Shine Skills Centres Academic Board on matters related to vocational assessments. Composition Chairman Head, Shine Vocational Assessment Service Members A VTC Shine Skills Centre Manager

Representative from Selective Placement Division, Labour Department Representative of Hong Kong Special Schools Council Inspector, Planning and Support Services Secretary Specialist (Education Service)II, Shine Vocational Assessment Service Note: The term of office is two years.

Vocational Training for People with Disabilities

TRADE/SUBJECT WORKING PARTY Terms of Reference To draft and review the syllabus of a subject referred by the Programme SubCommittee;

To propose an assessment plan for the subject; To devise and review learning packages, teaching aids and training materials as necessary; To advise on the provision of new equipment and machineries if required; and To recommend appropriate textbooks and reference materials. Composition Chairman A senior teaching staff member from Shine Skills Centre, the Manager or an Inspector Members Up to a maximum of six staff members from Shine Skills Centres involved in that trade/subject nominated by the Managers Secretary A VTC staff member nominated by the Chairman

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SHINE TECHNICAL AIDS AND RESOURCE COMMITTEE Terms of Reference To monitor the operation of Shine Technical Aids and Resource Centre (STARC) in providing supportive services to students with disabilities in Shine Skills Centres and provide support/ advisory services to SEN students in VTC institutions, as appropriate.

To review and update the supportive, professional services provided to Shines Skills Centres with updated technology as feasible, to meet the changing trend in the open and supported employment markets; To advise on the procurement of necessary equipment, facilities and materials required for the quality provision and support of the service; To establish rules and guidelines for the provision of technical support and advisory services to students/people with disabilities in Shine Skills Centres and in other VTC institutions; To advise on the acquisition of external professional support for the service, when required; To make recommendations for staff development; and To advise the Shine Skills Centres Academic Board on matters related to technical aids and resources. Support to students/people with disabilities; To plan and develop for the future service enhancement of STARC, as necessary. Composition Chairman Head, Shine Technical Aids and Resource Centre Members All Members of Shine Technical Aids and Resource Centre Secretary A STARC staff member nominated by the Chairman

Vocational Training for People with Disabilities

PROGRAMMES OFFERED Full-time Programmes All full-time programmes are at operative or pre-craft level. Their aim is to train students with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure open employment. The training programmes are organised on a modular basis so that individualised training packages are designed to enable each student to progress at his/her own pace and reach his/her full potentials. These programmes are on the average of two years for students with disabilities to achieve the required skills and competency. Apart from skills training, other subjects such as communication, numeracy, work-related social skills and whole person development are also provided to enrich and strengthen the students’ abilities to secure and retain gainful employment in the society. The training programmes are designed to meet the needs of the employment market. A Certificate of Competence is awarded to students who have passed the assessment of the modules at the end of their studies.

The programme programmes offered in the three Shine Skills Centres are: Stream

Programme

Duration

Pokfulam

Office Practice

Commerce

Kwun Tong

Tuen Mun

*

*

Commercial and Retailing Service

*

*

*

Programme Assistant

*

*

*

*Business and Computer Practice Computer and Networking Practice Technology

Design and Desktop Publishing

*

2-year or 1-year*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Printing

*

Packaging Service

Service

Integrated Service

*

*

*

Basic Catering Service

*

*

*

Health and Beauty Care Assistant

*

*Massage Service

*

*Catering and Housekeeping Practice

1-year

*

Note: *Specific Training Programmes of 9–12 months’ duration. One year full-time programme for school leavers referred by School and non-school leavers respectively.

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Part-time Evening Programmes The following programmes are offered in the part-time evening mode with a duration of one year:

Stream Commerce Technology

Programme English and Chinese Word Processing Computer and LAN Installation Desktop Publishing Catering and Reception Practice

Service

Bakery and Pastry (Western) Integrated Services

Short Programmes Since September 1994, a series of short programmes have been offered on a trial basis. These programmes are of flexible attendance mode and aim at meeting the specific needs of the targeted client groups. The programme contents are tailor-made in consultation with the relevant non-governmental/rehabilitation organisations. These programmes have been proved very popular and useful to people with disabilities. About 30 short training programmes are planned each year. They cover a wide range of programmes such as Massage, Food and Beverage Services, Retailing, Desktop Publishing, Word processing, Basic Digital Photography, Organic Farming, etc. Many of these short programmes are run to support the Government’s policy of providing upward mobility for sheltered workers so that they can be promoted to supported or open employment.

APPLICATIONS, ADMISSION AND FEES Applications and Admission Applications for admission to full-time programmes are normally taken on the basis of referrals mainly in September, December and April. For admission to part-time evening programmes, applications are invited through advertisements on newspapers in early June each year. Short programmes are usually run for specific groups of people with disabilities, and as initiated by the non-governmental/rehabilitation organisations.

Admission to a programme is based on the results of a vocational assessment and academic attainment. Fees All full-time training programmes are free. However, nominal fees are charged for part-time evening and short programme programmes, except sheltered workers for upward mobility vocational training. Fees are also charged for the boarding service, with a fee remission scheme to assist boarders with financial needs.

Vocational Training for People with Disabilities

LEARNING SUPPORT FACILITIES Vocational Assessment Service Internationally recognised test batteries and specially designed work samples are used to assess the potentials, abilities and limitations of people with disabilities in relation to their future careers. The assessment is carried out by a team comprising medical doctor, specialist (education service), occupational therapist, social worker, work evaluator and placement officer. Their findings are the basis for formulating individual vocational training or job placement rehabilitation plans.

Depending on the disability, a student undergoes either a specific programme of three to five days or a comprehensive programme of three weeks. To facilitate the admission of special school leavers to the Shine Skills Centres, an annual arrangement is made to provide vocational assessment services to pupils in special schools systematically. Scheduled vocational assessment service is also available to sheltered workers as a means of assessing their vocational potential for advancing to supported or open employment. Technical Aids and Resource Service Occupational therapists and technical staff in Shine Technical Aids and Resource Centre develop and modify the technical aids and learning resources to meet the individual needs of students with special educational needs and people with disabilities. The Centre also offers consultation service to help them better adapt to study and work environments. The two operational centres are located in Shine Skills Centre (Tuen Mun) and Shine Skills Centre (Kwun Tong). Vocational Counselling Service The main objective of the vocational counselling service is to enable students with disabilities to secure and retain open employment by strengthening their abilities to cope with various challenges arising from their training and work. This service is provided from the time they start training until they have settled in employment. It incorporates a Trial Work Placement Scheme/Social Enterprise Mode of practical Training which provides students with experience in an actual work environment prior to the completion of training, thereby facilitating a smoother transition from training to employment. Social Work Service Social Work Service is to help students adjust to the vocational training and school life in the Centre as well as to enhance their independent living and social skills so that they can be better integrated into the community. The registered social workers would achieve the goals through casework counselling, group counselling and organising different activities to facilitate the students to develop their potentials and help them to solve the adjustment, interpersonal, emotional or behavioral problems. Health Care Service Basic medical services are provided for Shine Skills Centres’ students by registered nurses. Occupational therapists enhance both physical and psychological functions, prevent illnesses, facilitate independent living, and improve quality of life of students with special educational needs, and promote their reintegration into home, work and society through carefully designed activities and therapeutic processes. In addition to students studying in Shine Skills Centre, occupational therapists also assist Shine Vocational Assessment Service and Shine Technical Aids and Resource Centre to provide professional assessment and consultation services to students with special educational needs studying in VTC.

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Boarding Service Boarding service is provided in Shine Skills Centre (Tuen Mun). The Centre houses 12 specially designed self-contained apartment units, each with bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and a living area. Through specially structured programmes and activities conducted outside normal vocational training hours, students are given intensive training to nurture and develop the social, inter-personal and self-care skills they need for work, for living independently, and for integrating into society. There are 96 planned boarding places in Shine Skills Centre (Tuen Mun). Students who need to strengthen their independent living and social skills may apply for boarding service. Priority is given to those whose homes are furthest away from the Centre. Boarding fees are collected in three instalments each academic year and they are adjusted annually. A fee remission scheme is available for boarders with financial needs. Centre Bus Service A free centre bus service is provided for students with mobility problems.

SHINE SKILLS CENTRE STUDENT REGULATIONS Attendance Regular and punctual attendance is required. If absence is unavoidable, students should inform their class tutors the reason of absence in writing as soon as possible. The minimum attendance requirement is 85%. If the attendance of a student falls below the minimum, he/she may not be permitted to take the final skills test. Withdrawal and De-registration from a Programme Students should inform the Centre in writing if they wish to withdraw from a programme. Failure to attend classes for more than three consecutive days without a valid reason and subsequent failure to respond to the warning letter issued by the Centre may result in de-registration from the programme. Conduct Students are expected to behave themselves in a disciplined manner and be considerate to others. They may be held responsible for the cost of replacement or repairs of the Centre property or equipment owing to the loss of, or damage of such Centre property or equipment attributed to their negligence or misuse of the property or equipment. Students may be suspended or expelled from the Centre for unsatisfactory conduct. Progress and Examinations Students are required to complete all assignments, including homework, classwork and practical work, and submit them to their tutors/instructors before the deadline. They must take tests and examinations as required by their tutors/instructors.

Vocational Training for People with Disabilities

Public Education Fund for Employment – “INCLUSIVE DESIGN CONTEST OF TECHNICAL AIDS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF HONG KONG” CUM “INCLUSIVE CARING CARNIVAL”

Under the sponsorship of the Public Education Fund from Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB), the Inclusive Design Contest of Technical Aids for People with Disabilities was organised in 2011/2012 to raise the public awareness of the needs of technical aids for people with disabilities (PWD). More than 40 designs were received from twenty-seven secondary schools. Ten were being selected by the judges in the Panel and fabricated. The innovative designs from those secondary school students impressed the community. The prize presentation ceremony consists of two parts, the demonstration of the ten technical aids as well as skills demonstration by the students of Shine Skills Centres. Following the ceremony was a wonderful variety show performed by the joint effort of students from the Youth College and Shine Skills Centre, which provided an opportunity for them to show their talents. Another Public Education activity in promoting vocational training, equal opportunity, work skills and technical aids service to facilitate PWD’s integration into the society will be organised again in 2013 by VTPDS in the coming academic year with the funding being granted from LWB.

Centre of Excellence - Massage Training Centre, SHINE Skills Centre (Kwun Tong)

The Massage Service Programme was first offered in August 2002 by the Massage Training Centre of Shine Skills Centre (Kwun Tong), which assists numerous people with visual impairment and mild grade mental handicap to secure open employment opportunities. Through the application of techniques and theories learned from the programme, students can sooth the body pain of their clients and alleviate their fatigue due to long hours of sedentary work. The Training Centre is well-equipped with the latest training equipment which offers the one-year full-time Massage Service programme with a four-week work trial scheme in real-life practice and the enhancement higher level certificate programme. After its restructuring in 2007, with the adoption of the curricula donated by the Ministry of Labour and Security of China, it has become a centre of excellence in enabling students to be trained and prepared for the National Occupational Qualification Test in Massage Trade (Intermediate and Higher Level) of China (國家職業技能鍳定的中級/高級按摩師考 試) . Through collaboration with and support from rehabilitation centres, such as Blind Union, Society for the Blind, graduates of the Centre are able to secure open employment and integrate into the society.

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