The functioning of primary school learners with paraplegia/paraparesis in mainstream schools : an exploratory study

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:South African policy and legislation demands inclusive education for learnerswith disabilities. According to the Department of Education, learners who cansatisfactorily be educated in an ordinary school must be accommodated there. Itis however unclear to what extend accommodations are made at the level ofschools to ensure inclusion. The purpose of this study is to determine the levelof participation of a group of learners with paraplegia/paraparesis in mainstreamschools in the Western Cape. Furthermore the contextual factors that hinder orfacilitate their participation will be identified. The Craig Handicap Assessmentand Reporting Technique and the Craig Hospital Inventory of EnvironmentalFactors were used as measuring instruments. The study population comprised15 primary school learners with paraplegia/paraparesis, their parents andrelevant class teachers. Results were statistically analysed with the ANOVA andKruskal-Wallis tests. A p value of >0.05 was seen as statistically significant.Results showed that cognitive dependence and decreased mobility restricted theparticipation of learners most. Insufficient preparation and traininq oL teachers,architectural barriers and poor accommodation into physical activities were thebiggest barriers to successful inclusion. Findings from this convenient, small andhomogenous sample suggest the existence of major barriers. Therefore acomprehensive research project is advised to ease the process of inclusion andensure its successfulness. Furthermore the education authorities should developand implement a uniform selection process and referral system in order tochannel learners to the correct facility according to their needs.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University