The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) is conducting a specialised training program to facilitate greater inclusion of Persons with a Disability (PWD) in training and educational programs in Tonga. 

The week-long training is funded by the Australian Government through the Tonga Interim Skills Development Facility (ISDF). APTC is an innovative development program funded by the Australian Government to deliver training and increase the supply of skilled, competitive and productive workers in targeted sectors across the Pacific region.

The program is the first of its kind in Tonga, and will provide a step-by-step approach to the consideration of people with disabilities in the design and delivery of training programs.  It will focus on issues that impact people with disabilities such as, inclusion, non-discrimination and accommodation to ensure fair and equitable training for people with disabilities. The program will draw together people from non-government organisations, community groups, and government departments including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Health.   

At the launch of the training program on Monday 15 February, ISDF Manager Mostyn Coleman said, “We believe that, wherever possible, people with disabilities should receive training with, and under the same conditions as people without disabilities. This would mean adaptations, adjustments and support may be needed to enable people with disabilities to access further education and skills training.” 

Mr Coleman emphasised, the need for action to help the training sector and the rest of the community understand the issues around inclusion and access for people with disabilities. 

Experienced APTC Community Development trainer, Ms Annie Dares designed and developed the specialised training program. She states "The purpose of the week ahead is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to plan and deliver training that accounts for needs and the inclusion of people with disabilities.” 

The training will explore key themes related to inclusion of people with disabilities. These themes include; principles and practices of inclusion, adult learning principles, and planning and presentation skills. Participants will explore these themes through a broad range of practical activities, including working as teams to design and develop a toolkit of planning and activity resources to enable them to deliver their own training workshops in the future.