Factors Affecting Integration Of Learners With Hearing Impairment In Regular Primary Schools: A Case Study Of Ngewa Zone, Kiambu Distrcict, Kenya.

ABSTRACT

The study carried out an investigation on the challenges and factors that affect the

education of the hearing impaired learners in regular primary schools. The study was

carried out from Ngewa zone, located in Kiambu District of Kenya.

Available literature indicate that a number of factors ranging from the failure of teachers

to recognize and appreciate the learning needs of these learners including the

dehumanizing treatment that these learners do get from the hearing learners who are their

counterparts as one of the most challenging school environment that affects their stay in

school.

The researcher applied a purely quantitative research design in presenting and

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

use of questionnaires. 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 challenges that affect the hearing impaired learners

among others include; communication barrier with their peers, the lack of hearing aids,

discrimination at school by their counterparts without hearing problems, punishment by

teachers, to mention.

A number of measures have been drawn up basing on the researchers observation and

~onclusions of the research fmdings. These include among others: curriculum

modification to suit the needs of the hearing impaired learners, parental and community

support services, government intervention with the provision of hearing~, and other

learning equipments, more teacher training in sign language especially an effort that

should be directed at seeing that KISE do train enough professionals in handling special needs.