Abstract:
The main objective of the research was to examine academic and social
challenges facing students with physical disabilities in some selected primary
schools of Gazo district, N/ Wollo Amhara regional state. The study used descriptive
survey design with quantitative and qualitative research approaches in collecting
and analyzing data. Observation checklist was used to examine academic and
social challenges students with physical disabilities faced as well as infrastructure
situations in primary schools. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 32
students with physical disability. Focus group discussions were also used to
collect data from 16 parents, 35 teachers, 80 students without physical disability
and 10 school principals. The participants were selected using purposive,
comprehensive, availability, and simple random sampling techniques. Findings
revealed that, most of the entire sample agreed that teaching and learning
methods/approaches used by teachers were not inclusive. The majority of
respondents said that library and facilities were not accessible. Out of all
infrastructural areas at sampled primary schools visited, including classrooms,
libraries, laboratories, administrative offices, play grounds and toilets, about the
average of in most selected schools were available but highly inadequate. some
students without disabilities were not familiar with the lives of students with
physical disabilities such as being considered as incapable of doing things for
example like academic and social issues. There is lack of well-organized support
structures and services owing to the negative attitudes. There are difficulties in the
use of buildings and roads on the school experienced by SWPDs. There is absence
of special rules and regulations focusing on SWPDs. There are failure of
disability centers to effectively support students with physical disability and their
teachers owing to the shortage of adequate experts and funds. Hence, it was
recommended that WEO, primary schools and other stakeholders should take
special considerations and actions in order to accommodate students with
physical disabilities in primary schools of Gazo district
