Abstract
Access to education implies an individual’s presence, participation, acceptance and achievement in a learning institution.Kenya promotes education for all, but SWD are less than 1% of the enrolment in higher education(HE). This research presents challenges public universities experience in their pursuit for readiness to improve access to HE by students with disabilities (SWD). A case study basic qualitative research method of a descriptive nature is used because disability is about experiences of persons with disabilities(PWD) in relation to the environments they constantly interact with; the meaning they ascribe to the same and that it evidently affects a small percentage of the population.University administrators (Academic registrars and deans of students),SWD and lecturers who taught them at the time of the research comprised the target population. Sample participation encompassed 202 SWD, 46 lecturers and11 administrators, from 6 public universities. The tools of research were questionnaire for each of the target group, focus group discussion (FGD) for SWD and an observation checklist. Data analysis was done through IBM SPSS 23 computer package by use of descriptive statistics . Tables helped in the presentation of data. It was revealed that universities face challenges in their endeavor and process of being ready for access to H.E by SWD. Recommendation was that universities should adopt a Universal Design model in order to address these challenges. Keywords: Institutional readiness, Access, Higher Education, Students with disabilities, challenges DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-31-01 Publication date: November 30 th 2020
Highlights
Background to the StudyExpanded opportunities to higher education for persons with disabilities( PWD) considerably add to their quality of life and that of their significant others (Wayne, 2004).Higher Education is the ultimate level of an individual’s academic achievement and the first step towards professionalism
This is the level that is essential for meeting the manpower requirements of the highest caliber which is necessary for national development. it is evident that the higher the level of education of persons with disabilities, the better the chances for them to integrate into society is acknowledged;a study that was done in South Africa, found out that PWD are likely to drop out of school early (Matshedisho,2007).Education data in Kenya shows that a total of 2% (224000) pupils with disabilities out of 10 million were in primary school while 0.4% (11219) out of 2.3 million were in secondary school ( Republic of Kenya 2007); the enrollment in the university was 461820; and out of this only 0.11691% (440) were students with disabilities (SWD)
Access to higher education by SWD is a challenge because there is implication of high dropout rates and very low transition from one level to the as observed from the data.The question that needs to be answered is why? How ready are the universities for access to education by students with disabilities?Are there some challenges that counter their readiness for access? If it is so what and where are they? This study sought to determine challenges faced by public universities towards readiness for access by students students with disability
Summary
Expanded opportunities to higher education for persons with disabilities( PWD) considerably add to their quality of life and that of their significant others (Wayne, 2004).Higher Education is the ultimate level of an individual’s academic achievement and the first step towards professionalism. The same has been enshrined in the constitution of Kenya 2010 article 54(1) (b) where persons with disabilities must be able to access educational institutions and facilities for persons with disabilities that are integrated into society to the extent compatible with the interests of the person.The disability Act 2003 provides a very general explanation of the discriminatory practices that are not allowed and calls for establishment of special schools and institutions for persons with disabilities. These provisions are important, they can be improved further by identifying some key aspects that. A combination of factors seems to affect access to higher education for PWD.The purpose of this research was to determine institutional Challenges that affect readiness for access to higher education by SWD in public universities in Kenya
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