Role of “Abilympics” among Malaysian Polytechnics and College Community disabled students

Abstract

This paper will focus on the role of “Abilympics”, which being as a platform for Malaysian Polytechnics and College Community disabled students to promote their talent and creativity in technical and vocational skills. The “Abilympics” derived from the word, “Olympics of Abilities” is a technical and vocational skills competition for people with disabilities which are held once every four years. However, the gap has previously varied between three to six years afterwards. The competition was organized to change people’s view of the potential and abilities of the disabled. Through the organization of this competition, the community became confident in the abilities of the disabled and thus improved job opportunities among technical and vocational education (TVET) students. The objectives of this study are to highlight the roles of stakeholders that involved in the Students Preparatory Training for Russia 2021 International “Abilympics” Competition and to review the strategic planning in the Students Preparatory Training for Russia 2021 International “Abilympics” Competition. This research study has been conducted through self observation method and the sample sizes for this research were focussing on five disabled students from Malaysian Polytechnics and College Community who have been selected to represent Malaysia in Russia 2021 International “Abilympics” Competition. These students have participated in Malaysia “Abilympics” Competition 2018 National Level and won the gold medal based on their various skills category. Therefore, the role of “Abilympics” is essential for Malaysian Polytechnics and College Community disabled students to being recognized in any technical and vocational industries in Malaysia.