ASSESSING THE PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY IN PRACTICAL SESSION IN CASE OF WOLKITE UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the existing challenges and opportunities of students with physical disabilities in regular practical session in Wolkite University. It is also aimed at suggesting possible recommendations that help to improve the level of involvement of these students in the practical session. Qualitative and quantitative approach of research was used in this study. Data were collected from the subjects through interview guides, focused group discussion guides data’s were organized and analyzed from in-depth interviews, practical field observations were analyzed qualitatively. Results of the study showed that, the exclusion of students with physical disabilities from PE practical classes, support made by students to crate effective inclusive was found very low, low level of awareness of stakeholders like Wolkite University principals, educational officials, ‘normal’ peer groups, parents and others about the participation of the physically disabled students in practical session so that their support and encouragement to the issue raised was found discouraging. Students training, curriculum materials and the required facilities and equipments were also found inadequate. Finally, based on the findings and conclusion of the study, it was recommended that, awareness creation strategy should be designed to the school principals , students, families and other stakeholders so that they could support and encourage inclusiveness in the regular. Curriculum materials for should be improved in order to address the special needs of students with physical disabilities. Students should be provided relevant training and they need to be innovative, flexible, creative, willing and capable of initiating participatory inclusive.