Computer Operating and Programming Assistant (COPA) Training and Economic Upliftment of Persons with Disabilities in India: A Systematic Review of Employability, Digital Inclusion and Livelihood Opportunities

Abstract

Economic participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) remains an important challenge for inclusive development in India. Although vocational education and digitalisation have created new opportunities for employment and self-employment, PwDs continue to experience barriers related to skills, accessibility, assistive technology, employer attitudes and transition from training to work. Computer Operating and Programming Assistant (COPA) training offers a potentially important pathway because it develops computer and digital competencies that can be applied to office administration, data management, accounting support, customer services and selected digital employment opportunities. This review paper examines the potential contribution of COPA training to the economic upliftment of PwDs in India by synthesising literature on disability employment, vocational skills, assistive technology and workplace inclusion. The review indicates that vocational skills alone are insufficient to produce sustainable economic outcomes. Assistive technology, accessible infrastructure, employer acceptance, placement support, entrepreneurship opportunities and post-training mentoring are equally important. A conceptual framework is proposed linking COPA training with digital competency, employability, employment or self-employment, income generation and economic independence. The paper argues that COPA should be positioned not simply as a vocational certification programme but as a mechanism for disability-inclusive digital economic participation. Keywords: Persons with Disabilities, COPA, vocational training, digital skills, employability.