| dc.description.abstract | Establishing inclusive schools in Kenya is apriority however not all schools practice inclusion. The
purpose of the study was to determine educational experiences of children with physical disabilities in
inclusive settings in Kenya. The objective was to determine the state of preparedness of schools
offering inclusive education to children with physical disabilities in inclusive settings. The study was
guided by Constructivist Learning Theory. The study employed mixed methods approach. The research
design used was Concurrent Triangulation Model. The target population was made up of 337
participants. The sampling techniques used were purposive, simple random sampling and stratified
random sampling. The sampled population for the study was 264 participants. The instruments were
questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, interview schedules and observation checklist. Piloting was
done to determine reliability of research instruments which was through by test-retest where correlation
co-efficient (rho) was worked. Authorization and permit to conduct research was given by National
Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). Qualitative data was collected in
conformity with the chosen mixed methods research design. Quantitative data from questionnaires were
analyzed with the assistance of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), computer version 20.
It generated descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The qualitative data was
analyzed using content, narrative and thematic methods and presented in direct quotes and narrative in
line with the study objectives. The study revealed that preparations done in schools involved
sensitization and awareness campaigns with all stakeholders, general adaptation of physical facilities
and training of teachers in the schools. Schools were faced with various challenges. The overall
conclusion was that all stakeholders were involved in the preparations. Based on the study findings
some recommendations were made: that all stakeholders should strive to remove barriers that prevent
children with physical disabilities from benefiting from education which is a human right. There is need
for adapting school facilities. Sensitization and awareness campaign should be ongoing in the
community and public schools to enroll children with physical disabilities. Children with physical
disabilities should be provided with adequate, specialized, relevant equipment and teaching/learning
resources that are conducive to their needs. | en_US |
