ACCESSIBILITY OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH VISUAL AND PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT IN ARBAMINCH TOWN ADMINISTRATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN GAMO ZONE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the accessibility of school environment for students with visual and physical impairment in Arba Minch town administration of primary schools in Gamo Zone. To conduct the study a mixed research approach was employed with quantitative emphasis (QUAN→qual). In order to select the study participants, both random and purposive sampling methods were employed. The data were collected from 21 student with disabilities, 133 teachers, 5 special need experts, 35 school leaders. Interviews, observation and questionnaires were used as instrument. To analyze the quantitative data, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used and qualitative data were analyzed in narration. Based on the analysis made major findings were drawn, as the findings shows that attitudes of school community towards student with disabilities were changing depends on the level of severity of student with disabilities. Regarding school physical environment there is limited accessible school physical environment in primary schools of Arba Minch town. Students with disabilities in the Schools lacks accessibility like ramps, toilets, chairs class rooms that accommodate disabilities. Also, school leaders are not fully use their potential to create accessible school physical environment for student with disabilities. They give more emphasis in prioritizing issues for student without disabilities rather than the issue of student with disabilities. Moreover, the finding indicates there is mild positive effect and relationship between accessibility of school physical environment and social interaction of student with disabilities. Finally, the study suggests that to create accessible school environment for student with disabilities working collaboratively with education bureau, parents of student with disabilities, special needs experts, deference organization and school director will be mandatory.