Abstract

Inter-agency collaboration is a very important element in the success of vocational education programs for students with special needs, especially for students with learning disabilities. Inter-agency collaboration is a team consisting of students, parents, school representatives and representatives of outside agencies involved in implementing, coordinating and developing service plans for students with special needs. However, the implementation of inter-agency collaboration with schools has remained at low levels. Therefore, this study was undertaken to explore the implementation of inter-agency collaboration and the obstacles faced by teachers in vocational education of students with learning disabilities towards career experience preparation. This study used a qualitative approach with case study design. Data were collected using interviews involving 10 teachers from vocational education in 6 Integration Program with Learning Disabilities (IPLD) schools. The findings show that there is inter-agency collaboration implemented with the schools involved but the implementation is not comprehensive. Results from interviews show that there are several obstacles in the implementation of inter-agency collaboration in terms of student attitude, parental attitude, and attitude of employers, financial problems and lack of information about the implementation of vocational education in IPLD. This study is expected to assist schools in implementing inter-agency collaboration to provide the best service to enhance the skills and careers of students with special needs especially students with learning disabilities.

 

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