Assessment on the Level of School Enrollment, Participation and Challenges of Students with Disabilities in Dire Dawa Administration, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate school enrollment, participation and challenges of students with disabilities in Dire Dawa Administration, Ethiopia. To this end both quantitative and qualitative research method was employed. The data was obtained through interview with key informants, open and close ended questionnaire on the level of school enrollment, participation and challenges of students with disabilities from 98 students and 28 school principals and teachers who are currently working with students with disabilities from both urban and rural schools of the administration. The result of the study depicts that; the school enrollment and participation of students with disabilities in Dire Dawa Administration has been improving recently but still it is somehow medium. Physical in accessibility of schools, lack of public awareness, individualization, trained teachers, teaching aids, presence of negative societal attitude and stereotype against students with disabilities, and poor self esteem of students with disabilities are the major challenges that have been identified by this study for school enrollment and participation of students’ with disabilities in  the Administration. Based on these findings important recommendations have been suggested and future priority areas have been identified so as to improve school enrollment and participation of students with disabilities.