Under human rights conventions, disabled persons should have equal rights to access public facilities and live independently in society. However, in Myanmar, despite that the government has signed on to international conventions, disabled persons still struggle to access education, vocational training, job opportunities and income improvement. Rights need to be implemented.

This study analyzes the design of vocational training courses and their outcomes. The writer interviewed staff at vocational institutions for persons with physical and visual impairments; potential employers; disabled persons; and key informants from Disabled People Organizations, private vocational schools and relevant government sectors. Deficiencies in vocational training and basic education need to be remedied if disabled trainees are to become employable in the new labor market of a rapidly transforming Myanmar. The role of the state is also crucial in providing opportunities for disabled persons.