Challenges Faced by Regular School Teachers in Handling Hard-Of-Hearing Learners in Inoi Zone: Kirinyaga District: Kenya.

ABSTRACT The study begun by giving the historical development of hard if hearing where by just like other disabilities, it is known to exist from time immemorial. Traditionally, the disabled people were rejected, isolated and given derogative names like cripple, death, imbecile, idiot and others but later the negative attitude changed and they were put in institutions where support services are provided The study was interested at finding out the challenge that face regular school teachers in handling the hard-of- bearing learners in inclusive setting The study came up with literature reviewed from previous authors on the following • Enrollment of hard — of— hearing leaner s o Problems facing teachers in handling hard of hearing learners e Educational resources the hard of hearing learners o Intervention / support measures for hard of hearing The researcher used questionnaires to collect information. The researchers subject were teaching hers in Inoi zone; Kirinyaga who were selected through convenience sample After collection and data analysis, the researcher found that the major problems faced by teacher in handling these learners are as follows; o Lack of environment modifications to suit the needs of the hard of hearing learners o Over loaded curriculum • Lack of enough trained personnel in special needs education viii -{igh teacher pupil ratio o Negative attitudes towards hard of hearing learners • Lack of support services o Lack of knowledge on causes of hard- of-hearing • Insufficient intervention and support measures Due to the above problems the researcher made some recommendations that if put in place would ease the problem. These include: The government should in-service the teacher so as to enquire them with skills and knowledge in special needs education, employ more teachers to balance the teacher- pupil ratio and also provide relevant and adequate resources to support the learners The parents, teachers and the community at large should be sensitized on the causes and prevention of hearing impairment so as to eliminate the negative attitudes The curriculum developers should make adjustments so as to suit the needs of sues learners.