Challenges Faced By The Intellectually Challenged Learners In An Inclusive Setting - A Case Study Of Embakasi Division - Kenya

ABSTRACT

The intellectually challenged learners have been met with many difficulties and

obstacles in life in the societies they live in. examples of these problems are

discrimination, rejection, neglect, child maltreatment, use of derogatory language

and negative attitude towards them. Some of their parents see them as a burden

and a sign of bad omen to the family. They are regarded worthless and cannot

be benefited from. In some societies they are misused of uncivilized traditional

practices such as inheritance in case of death especially males. It is on this note

that the purpose of the study is to curb and minimize problems faced by the

intellectually challenged children.

The researcher used qualitative research approach where data was collected,

described in words rather than numerically, analyzed and interpreted.

The research strategy or design was case study and the targeted population was

regular school teachers, pupils, parents and education officers in Nairobi district.

The instruments or apparatus used were questionnaires which were sent to

respondents.

The result of the research work shows that 66.7% of the general population of

the intellectually challenged learners does not gain much educationally in

inclusive setting. A part from other problems, negative attitude of the society is

their major hindrance to their full development.

The implication of all these problem is that the intellectually challenged children

are sidelined from societal, educational, moral and physical activities. This hasmade them to develop low-self esteem, feel worthless, incapable and segregated.

The government should, train more and equip them with modern methods and techniques for the education of special need learners especially those with

development disabilities to help them gain their full potentialities and be self reliant

The government should also organize awareness campaigns to sensitize the entire society to have attitudinal change. It should also enact a policy to guide the basic rights and special needs children in general.