Book of signs to help deaf tech students

Book of signs to help deaf tech students

The Office of Vocational Education Commission (Ovec) is to release a sign language dictionary for hard-of-hearing students studying technical courses.

The office has commissioned Ratchasuda College at Mahidol University to translate industrial and technical words and phrases into sign language and then compile a dictionary to be distributed to hard-of-hearing vocational students. 

Ratchasuda College provides educational opportunities and training programmes for people with disabilities.

Ovec secretary-general Chaiyapreuk Sereerak said videos and a learning guide will also be distributed with the dictionary to more than 1,000 vocational students.

Mr Chaiyapreuk said the dictionary is being created in response to a move launched by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to improve the educational performance of vocational students with hearing difficulties. 

The commission will also set up an entrepreneurial training programme for vocational students, Mr Chaiyapreuk said.

The princess also wants all vocational students to acquire knowledge and skills in marketing in addition to regular course work, he said.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Dapong Ratanasuwan said officials are working on a plan to bring private vocational schools under the supervision of Ovec.

The move follows a directive issued on Saturday by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in his capacity as National Council for Peace and Order chief.

Gen Dapong said he asked state agencies to complete the transfer by May when the next school year starts.

The transfer is thought to be aimed at closing a gap in educational quality provided by private and state vocational institutions.

Gen Dapong said the government supports the transfer, which should improve the overall standard of vocational education.

However, he said officials need to explain the transfer better to create better public understanding.   

The ministry wants standards in state-run schools to come on a par with private vocational colleges to improve the industrial workforce, he said.

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