ENVIRNOMENTAL SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY STUDENTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES: THE CASE OF HOMECHO PREPARATORY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL IN GIBE WOREDA, HADIYA ZONE, SNNPR

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate environmental social and educational challenges of students with physical disabilities in school environments of Homecho preparatory and secondary school. The study explored the environmental, social and educational challenges students with physical disabilities encounter. To achieve the objective of the study, qualitative approach with case study design was employed which allowed for an intensive investigation into the challenges of students with physical disabilities in school environments of Homecho secondary and preparatory school. The participants of the study were three students with physical disability and 3 principals, 10 students of peers of students with physical disability, ten teachers, one special needs educator of the school and one counsellor. The data collection instrument employed were semi structured interview, focus group discussion and observation. The information that collected through these instruments was analysed using qualitative methods of data analysis. The study result showed that the school environment was not accessible for students with physical disabilities, the infrastructures; the ramps in the gates of classrooms are inaccessible. The study result further revealed that the school library was not conducive for students with physical disabilities and these students were not using the library of the school. In addition, the study found that the school facilities, like laboratory rooms and toilet were inconvenient for students with physical disabilities. The study result further showed that playfields, teaching and educational intervention were not modified. This implies the students with physical disabilities were facing challenges in school environment. The study recommended that ramps should be constructed at the gates of class and school environments should be levelled to make free of terrains. User friendly pavements should be constructed between buildings; awareness raising programs should be organized for school community and teachers who teach these students to overcome their challenges. The school should incorporate the issue of school accessibility and provision of assistive devices for these students in the school improvement program and annual plan