Removing Dis from Ability Opening Doors to Employment
Report October – December 2024
INTRODUCTION: Many youth with disabilities remain excluded from the workforce due to a lack of vocational skills, inaccessibility, and employer hesitancy. To address these barriers, this reporting period focused on short-term, work-based training programs designed to bridge the gap between training and employment. From July to December 2024, the Removing Dis from Ability project made significant progress in its mission to equip young people with disabilities and forcibly displaced youth with marketable skills and access to employment opportunities. By strengthening partnerships with local businesses, vocational training centers, and community enterprises, we have taken concrete steps toward workplace inclusion and selfemployment opportunities for young people in Tavush Marz.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS A key milestone of this period was our partnership with local businesses, which provided practical support in delivering short-term work-based training program in hairdressing in partnership with local salons. 5 women with disabilities participated, learning hands-on skills in hair styling, colouring, and customer service. Internships were arranged for participants, ensuring they gained practical experience in a real work environment.
SUCCESS STORY: Lilit’s Path to Self-Employment Lilit, a 21-year-old woman with a disability, had always dreamed of becoming a hairdresser. However, due to a lack of accessible training opportunities and financial resources, she was unable to pursue her passion. In September 2024, Lilit joined our short-term hairdressing training, conducted in partnership with local salons. Over three months, she learned hair styling, coloring techniques, and customer service skills. She also participated in an internship at a local salon, gaining hands-on experience. Now, Lilit is ready to start working as a hairdresser, but she faces a new challenge— she lacks the financial means to buy professional equipment such as scissors, a hairdryer, and styling tools. To overcome this, she plans to become self-employed by offering home-visit hairdressing services, allowing her to work independently and provide personalized services to clients in their homes. With further support, Lilit can transition into self-employment, secure an income, and build a sustainable career. Her story highlights the critical need for vocational training, business startup support, and financial assistance to ensure that young people with disabilities can access real economic opportunities.
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