1. Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Inclusive Education for Grade 7 - 9 Students with Disabilities in Ethiopia and Ghana: A Qualitative study.
- Author
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Abebe, Solomon Mekonnen, Shitu, Kegnie, Liulseged, Tewodros, Abera, Mikyas, Fentie, Melkitu, Mekonnen, Fikru, Batorowicz, Beata, Xu, Xiaolin, Efedi, Nina Akosua, and Aldersey, Heather M.
- Subjects
FOCUS groups ,SOCIAL support ,RESEARCH methodology ,MAINSTREAMING in special education ,EXPERIENCE ,QUALITATIVE research ,PHENOMENOLOGY ,STUDENTS ,RESEARCH funding ,STUDENT attitudes ,THEMATIC analysis ,PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation - Abstract
in accessing and participating in general education settings. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to inclusive education among youth with disabilities in Grades 7-9, in Ethiopia and Ghana. Method: A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted to explore the lived experiences of students with disabilities in Grades 7-9 in Ethiopian and Ghanaian schools. Five focus group discussions were conducted, with an average of six students in each focus group. Thematic analysis was used to explore and analyse study participants' schooling experiences. Results: There are commonalities and differences in the barriers and facilitators to inclusive education among students with disabilities in Ethiopia and Ghana. Participants reported that psychosocial, physical, systemic, and resource-related barriers hinder their access to education and school participation. They also identified facilitators including emotional and material support from various sources, and personal coping strategies and perseverance in overcoming barriers to their schooling. Conclusion: A complex system of structural, institutional, and individual factors affect school enrolment and participation among Grade 7-9 students with disabilities in Ethiopia and Ghana. Concerted and multisectoral inclusive education programming and supports are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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