Problems facing students with physical disabilities in higher learning institutions in Tanzania

Kabuta, Lydia G. (2014) Problems facing students with physical disabilities in higher learning institutions in Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

Preview

PDF Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

The main objective of the research was to examine problems facing students with physical disabilities in higher learning institutions in Tanzania. Its specific objectives included; (1) examinining infrastructural situations in higher learning institutions to determine whether they support students with physical disabilities to study and live comfortably or not, (2) examining academic, social and financial problems facing the physically disabled students as well as (5) assessing stakeholders’ views on means they consider appropriate to address problems that face the physically disabled students at higher learning institutions. The study employed quantitative and qualitative research methods in collecting and analyzing data. Documentary review was used to examine infrastructure situations in 5 higher learning institutions. Questionnaires and interviews were also used to collect data from 12 physically disabled students. These techniques were further used to collected data from 5 heads of institutions, 21 tutors/lectures, 40 parents as well as 82 students without disabilities. Findings revealed that, 75 percent of higher education institutions’ infrastructures were available but inadequate. Eight five percent (85%) of the infrastructure was accessible with difficult to students with physical disabilities whereby 35 percent and 25 percent of all infrastructure conditions were average and poor respectively. The study also found high inadequacy of teaching and learning materials as well as lack of special schemes, trained staff, funds and scholarship for students with physical disabilities. Hence it was recommended that government and other stakeholders should take special considerations and actions in order to accommodate students with physical disabilities in higher learning institutions.

Actions (login required)

View Item