CHALLENGES OF STUDENTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION PRACTICAL CLASSES OF AWINTEGEGN SECONDARY AND PREPARATORY SCHOOLS ANGOT WOREDA, AMHARA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

Students with disabilities have been facing various problems participating in physical education practical classes. This study attempted to analyze challenges of students’ with physical impairments participation during PE practical classes of Awintegegn Secondary and Preparatory School. The study presents students’ major challenges that affect their participation in PE practical classes and the solutions to increase their involvement in the practical classes, student’s response about their participation in PE practical classes were assessed. Descriptive research design with qualitative and quantitative research methods was used. Population of the study was students with physical impairment and teachers who were teaching in ‘Awintegegn’ secondary and preparatory school. In ‘Awintegegn’ secondary and preparatory school, there were 1200 students. From these 15 students with physical impairments and 2 PE teachers were selected by using comprehensive sampling techniques. In order to collect adequate and reliable data, the researcher was using the following instruments: questionnaires, interview and field observation as data gathering tools. The findings of this research revealed that the participation of students with physical impairments are low and has many challenges. The main challenges are; inclusive program is not designed and implemented in the school which exposed them poor participation in practical classes. The mechanisms to mitigate these challenges are creating awareness in the school community, designing strategies and plans for the inclusion of students with disabilities in the practice class to the needs and interest of the students.