First vocational schools

In the early 20th century, a few private vocational collages were founded, and they offered deaf people better access to education. These included the Nikkarila household management school and the printing house, Surdus, which offered training in the printing sector.

In Jyväskylä, a ‘theoretical and practical vocational school’ for deaf carpenters operated from 1911 to 1916. Over two years, the students qualified as carpenters for whom the school found jobs. In the vicinity of Mikkeli, Helmari gardening and household management school opened its doors in 1913 and admitted deaf girls. Thirteen deaf girls attended the school and the training lasted for seven months.  Nuutila farm in Sulkava operated as an agricultural school for the deaf in 1919–1920 where four deaf boys attended 18-month training. J.O. Jacobson’s carpenter’s workshop in Turku also offered training to deaf people.