VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AS A PANACEA TO UNEMPLOYMENT CHALLENGE AMONG PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN SELECTED SOUTH WEST STATE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined vocational rehabilitation as a panacea to unemployment problems among persons with special needs in Nigeria, with a focus on the Farm Craft Training Center for the Blind, Lagos, and Moniya Rehabilitation Center, Ibadan. Persons with special needs, including those with visual impairments, often face barriers such as stigma, discrimination, limited access to education, inadequate training opportunities, and workplace inaccessibility, which contribute to high unemployment and social exclusion. Despite the establishment of rehabilitation centers across Nigeria, the effectiveness of these programs in enhancing employability remains underexplored. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, with a population consisting of trainees from the selected centers. A total of 70 respondents were purposively sampled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) to test four hypotheses related to challenges, skill gaps, vocational training effectiveness, and employment outcomes. Findings revealed a significant relationship between vocational rehabilitation and employability among persons with special needs. Results also indicated that challenges such as societal stigma, inadequate training facilities, and lack of assistive technologies negatively affect employment access. Furthermore, skill gaps and training needs were found to be significantly related, demonstrating that tailored vocational training is essential to bridge these gaps. Completing vocational rehabilitation programs significantly improved employment outcomes for trainees. The study concluded that vocational rehabilitation plays a crucial role in enhancing employability and promoting socio-economic inclusion for persons with special needs. It recommends that policymakers, educators, and stakeholders strengthen vocational rehabilitation centers through inclusive educational policies, financial support, and awareness campaigns to combat stigma and improve accessibility. Future research should examine the effectiveness of various resources and strategies in supporting vocational rehabilitation and employment integration for persons with special needs across Nigeria.