MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING THE PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS WITH VARIOUS DISABILITY TOWARDES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE CASE OF MAREKO WEREDA HIGH SCHOOLS, GURAGHE ZONE, SNNPR, STATE.

Abstract

his study is attempted to identify major Factors affecting the participation of disabled children in physical activities in selected schools of Mareko Woreda S/N/N/P/R/ State . Using mixed type of research design, it is attempted to seek the factors affecting afore mentioned children participation in the physical activities. Questionnaire for students and physical education teachers, structured interview for school administrators’ administered to a total of 36deliberately selected subjects or informants in selected schools. The data obtained through these tools is analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively the analysis is made using tables and qualitatively using words. Based on analysis made major findings were drawn, as the findings shows that factors associated with materials, equipment's, school compound, absence of disability sport competitions, poor pupil to pupil support, limited professional development trainings, incomprehensive curriculum is found as a major factors which affects the participation of disabled children in school Physical activities. From the major findings, the researcher provided possible solutions for teachers, curriculum experts, students and all concerned bodies. Accordingly, curriculum experts and policy makers should reconsider teaching materials in different levels to make them inclusive, Physical education teachers should play great role in creating pupil to pupil interaction among disabled and non – disabled children, prepare disability sport competitions as for non-disables ones, create conditions for physical education teachers to take part in professional development training.