Experiences of Learners Living with Disabilities: Policy Implications in Selected Nyanza Counties, Kenya

Abstract

This paper looks at experiences of learners living with disabilities in selected Nyanza counties Kenya. The study also looks at the policy implications on the implementation of disability policy in the counties. The paper specifically focuses on: assessing the early childhood experiences and school life. To arrive at study findings, the study selected six learners who were; physical, visual and hearing impaired to participate in in-depth interviews. The study was guided by phenomenology research approach. Themes which came out as a result of interviews were used to analyse qualitative data obtained. Findings of the study showed that children in special schools in Nyanza counties faced significant challenges in their childhood and school life experiences. Some of them were often scorned, hated, discriminated, stereotyped and also separated with other community members hence preventing their right to life and education. It was also found out that implementation of government policy on disability was not effectively done as some learners indicated that their institutions had no supportive infrastructure to enable disabled learners education. The study recommends that government should take an active role in the implementation of disability policies in schools.

Keywords: Experiences, Learners, Disabilities, Policy, Implications