Level of Social engagement of Pupils with Intellectual Disabilities in Unit School Setting: The Case of Adukrom Methodist Basic School, Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the level of social engagement of pupils with intellectual disabilities at Adukrom Methodist Basic School in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The case study design was employed for the study. The sample size was 21, which comprised of teachers and pupils with and without intellectual disabilities. Interviews and an observation guide were used to collect data. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Data from interviews was analyzed thematically while observation data was statistically analyzed. Results from the study showed that pupils with intellectual disabilities sometimes played together with their non-disabled peers; they made friends and maintained the friendship but others do not due to the behaviors of pupils with intellectual disabilities. It was also established that pupils with intellectual disabilities were averagely engaged in social activities in the school. It was recommended that Teachers should collaborate with other professionals to work on the behaviors of pupils with intellectual disabilities to enable them maintain their friendship with peers and also help them to play together always.