Children with physical and sensory disabilities : exploring the implementation of inclusive education legislation and policy.
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Date
2016
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Abstract
Research studies have shown that schools in South Africa face many challenges
in implementing inclusive education (IE) for children with disabilities. The primary
aim of this study was to explore the implementation of IE policies for children with
physical and sensory disabilities in six public primary schools in the Pinetown
district. A qualitative research approach was used in this study. Probability
sampling in the form of simple random sampling was used. Semi-structured
interviews were used to collect data from 6 principals at public primary schools in
the Pinetown district. An ecosystem perspective was used as a framework to
guide the study.
The major conclusion of this study was that public primary schools were not
implementing IE legislation and policies. Schools accommodated children with
limited physical and sensory disabilities provided that they were self-sufficient
and did not rely on the teacher or other students to move around. Children with
severe physical and sensory disabilities were not admitted in these schools either
because parents did not approach mainstream schools or the past procedures of
referral to special schools was still practiced. Mainstream schools continue to
have barriers in implementing IE due to large class sizes, the lack of resources
and infrastructure, the teachers’ lack of training and lack of support from parents
and the DoE.
The findings in this study are consistent with a number of other studies where
similar challenges were experienced in implementing IE. Regardless of
legislation and policies on IE, children with disabilities continue to be segregated
on the basis that they are still not receiving an education together with their able
bodied peers.
Description
Master of Law in Child care and protection. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College 2016.
Keywords
Theses--Child care and protection., Children with disabilities--Education--Law and legislation., Children with disabilities--Education., Children with disabilities.