Disability Empowerment Through Competency Improvement Based on Industrial Needs and Personal Branding in Yogyakarta City

Abstract

This community service program aims to enhance the competencies of persons with disabilities in Yogyakarta City through industry-based training and personal branding development. The initiative was motivated by the low labor force participation rate of people with disabilities, which reached only 40% in 2022, compounded by social stigma and limited skills. The partner organization, Himpunan Disabilitas Muhammadiyah (HIDIMU), played a crucial role in participant recruitment and facilitating partnerships with the hospitality industry. The implementation methods included socialization, needs assessment, training on service excellence and personal branding, utilization of a digital portfolio website, and mentoring for industry internships. Evaluation employed pre-and post-tests, questionnaires, field observations, and in-depth interviews with participants and stakeholders. Results indicated an average 35% improvement in participants’ knowledge scores, increased self-confidence, and expanded employment opportunities through industry collaboration and digital portfolio promotion. Socially, the program fostered greater awareness of the importance of inclusive employment practices. In conclusion, the program successfully improved both technical and social capacities of persons with disabilities, despite challenges related to digital infrastructure limitations and the need for training material adaptation.