Inclusive education practices and management of special needs education in institutions of higher learning in Uganda: A case study of Kyambogo University.

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the relationship between Inclusive Education Practices and Management of special needs education in Kyambogo University. The study objectives were to establish the relationship between inclusive education practices and planning, coordination and controlling of special needs education. The study was guided by a cross-sectional survey design using mainly quantitative approach. However, some qualitative aspects were also used to back up quantitative approach. The study involved 36 academic staff, 05 top administrative staff, 10 lower administrative staff, 10 Ministry of Education and Sports officials, and 10 students’ leaders from the faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation, Kyambogo University. These were purposively selected since each category of respondents had vital information for the study. Data were collected using self administered questionnaire and interview guide and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s, correlation coefficient method for quantitative data, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The study found that, there was poor planning, coordination and control of special needs education in Kyambogo University. There were instances of failure to admit many students with special needs, lack of adequate physical infrastructure for special needs education students and inadequate assessment of whether goals and targets of special needs education are realized. It was concluded that inclusive education provision and practices significantly relate with planning, coordinating and controlling of special needs education in Kyambogo University. For management of special needs education to be effective, the study recommended that Government through its planning body, such as the National Planning Authority and the Ministry of Education and Sports should launch special needs education policy in the pipeline for all institutions of learning like Kyambogo University to adopt and implement its guidelines on management of special needs education in Uganda.