Sewing Training for Students with Hearing Disabilities: A Vocational Approach to Enhancing Work Transition Readiness

  • Istiarsyah Istiarsyah Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh, Bireuen, Aceh,  Indonesia
  • Zakiah Ulfa Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh, Bireuen, Aceh,  Indonesia
  • Eng Hock Kway Sultan Idris Education University, Perak,  Malaysia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51169/ideguru.v10i2.1950

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the implementation of sewing training as a vocational strategy to support work transition readiness among students with hearing disabilities. The research was conducted at SLB Negeri 1 Bireuen, Indonesia, using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three vocational teachers and five deaf students, supported by classroom observations and analysis of student-produced sewing products. The results showed that teachers employed adaptive instructional strategies such as visual demonstrations, step-by-step modeling, and nonverbal communication to address the students’ needs. Students demonstrated increased confidence, motivation, and technical competence in sewing, particularly in creating jilbab products. Product assessments revealed proficiency in stitching quality, accuracy, and finishing. Despite communication challenges, both teachers and students viewed sewing as a meaningful and relevant skill for future employment or entrepreneurship. The study concluded that visually adapted vocational training contributed significantly to both skill development and psychosocial growth. It highlighted the importance of integrating practical, student-centered programs within special education to prepare learners with disabilities for independent and inclusive work participation.

Keywords: hearing disabilities, sewing training, vocational education, work transition readiness, special education

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Author Biographies

Istiarsyah Istiarsyah, Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh, Bireuen, Aceh

Istiarsyah, Ph.D is a lecturer in Special Education at Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh, Bireuen, Indonesia. He earned his Ph.D. in Special Education from Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia in 2024, focusing on inclusive education. He has over ten years of experience promoting inclusive education practices.

His research interests include disability and inclusive education policy and practice, teacher professional development, and the empowerment of persons with disabilities, and also he has a proven track record of collaborating with diverse stakeholders to advocate for policy change and ensure the inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. He has published several articles reputable national journals on these topics. He is actively involved in various organizations as Disability and Inclusive Education Consultant. He can be reached at istiarsyah@ummah.ac.id.

Zakiah Ulfa, Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh, Bireuen, Aceh

Zakiah Ulfa is an undergraduate student in Special Education Departmen at Universitas Muhammadiyah Mahakarya Aceh, Bireuen, Indonesia. She graduated from SMK Negeri 1 Takengon majoring in Fashion Design. Passionate about inclusive education, she initiated Sobat-Z, a social program that empowers children with disabilities by teaching them sewing skills.

She has been actively involved in social activities since high school and is committed to advocating for the rights and education of people with disabilities through vocational-based inclusion. She can be reached at zakiahulfa@ummah.ac.id.

Eng Hock Kway, Sultan Idris Education University, Perak

Kway Eng Hock, Ph.D is a senior lecturer and Head of the Special Education Department at the Faculty of Human Development, Sultan Idris Education University, Malaysia. He holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, with expertise in visual impairment education. With over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, he has supervised more than 75 postgraduate theses, including numerous international doctoral candidates.

His research interests span inclusive education, Braille literacy, psychosocial development for students with disabilities, and instructional innovation for learners with special needs. He has authored and co-authored multiple articles in Scopus and indexed journals and has actively contributed to national and international research and consultation projects. He is widely recognized for his contributions to vocational education for students with disabilities and continues to advocate for inclusive practices through policy, training, and innovation. He can be reached at kway.eh@fpm.upsi.edu.my.

Published
2025-07-01
How to Cite:
Istiarsyah, I., Ulfa, Z., & Kway, E. H. (2025). Sewing Training for Students with Hearing Disabilities: A Vocational Approach to Enhancing Work Transition Readiness. Ideguru: Jurnal Karya Ilmiah Guru, 10(2), 1553-1561. https://doi.org/10.51169/ideguru.v10i2.1950
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): May 2025 Edition
Section
Research Articles

Copyright (c) 2025 Istiarsyah, Zakiah Ulfa, Eng Hock Kway

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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