Challenges That Hinder The Academic Performance Of Learners With Physical Handicaps In Regular Schools: A Case Study Of Tuny Al Zone, Tharaka District, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The study carried out a critical analysis and investigation on the challenges faced and

academic performance of learners with physical handicaps in regular schools. The study

took Tunyai zone, Tharaka District, as a case study. Previous studies indicate that a

number of factors ranging from the lack of learning/teaching equipment, negative attitude

of teachers towards the physically impaired learners are among the many forces behind

their poor academic performance in regular primary schools.

The researcher applied a purely quantitative research design in presenting and

interpreting the research findings. The technique of data collection used was mainly the

use of questionnaires with some key informant interviews to the district officials.

Selection of the samples was based on a simple Random sampling procedure so as to give

all the respondents equal chances of participating in the study.

Research findings revealed that the causes of poor academic performance among these

learners are diverse but most importantly, the failure of the ministry of education to

address their learning needs given the fact that they need adequate learning assistance and

support as well as other learning equipments to faci litate their learning.

A number of measures have been drawn up basing on the researchers observation and conclusions of the research findings. These include among others: government's drive towards providing for their hearing as well as learning aids, change of teacher's attitude in a positive direction and the need for the community to dedicate efforts towards supporting learners with special needs.