In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerability has increased significantly among persons with disabilities. Youth with disabilities are additionally disadvantaged in their search for work because they have not had access to education or vocational training. In Togo, people with disabilities experience stigma and discrimination, which further impacts their livelihoods. In order to strengthen employability and job creation for young people with disabilities, especially girls and women, USAID is supporting the Fédération Togolaise des Associations des Personnes Handicapées (FETAPH). This activity stems from the recommendations of a study that FETAPH carried out in 2021 on the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities.
Priorities
INCREASE ACCESS TO VOCATIONAL TRAINING
FETAPH supported the Ministry of Technical Education to adapt vocational curricula for people with sensory disabilities. Moreover, FETAPH conducted sensitization workshops with employers to promote hiring people with disabilities. FETAPH has then worked with these employers and others to provide equipment and training placements to people with disabilities.
CREATE MECHANISMS TO FACILITATE EMPLOYABILITY
FETAPH works to improve employability by working with microfinancing institutions to provide equitable financing opportunities, conducting entrepreneurship training, and funding individual business plans. FETAPH has also worked to identify employment opportunities for people with disabilities and to label companies as disability-friendly if they provide an inclusive and accessible environment.
ADVOCATE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL FUND TO
SUPPORT TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL INTEGRATION
In order to advocate that the Togolese government creates a national fund, FETAPH will analyze the situation through a feasibility study and propose a mechanism to effectively and sustainably support the professional development of people with disability.
