School child protection measures against neglect for children with disabilities in special education schools

Author: 
Moses Chisala, Daniel Ndhlovu and Joseph Mwape Mandyata

This paper examined the The purpose was to to explore, how protected are children with disabilities from neglect in selected special education schools. Interpretive paradigm with Qualitative intrinsic case study design was employed. The sample size comprised of 38 participants who included head teachers, teachers, learners and parents who were selected by purposive In-depth-structured interview guide and focus group discussions guide (FGD) were used to collect data and data were analysed by thematic analysis. The results showed that children with disabilities were protected from neglect material support strategies through provision of mobility aids, auxiliary aids and services, financial and material support, accommodating learners in the boarding, provision of school requisites, bursaries to learners and medical treatment.Other strategies included provision of guidance and counselling sessions, motivational talks, acceptance and commitment therapy and engaging in religious activities, offering encouragements, psychological care and involving parents. The result also revealed that children with disabilities were protected from neglect by enhancing disability-awareness trainings, orientation of new staff on how to handle learners, conduct workshops and counselling sessions on how to handle children. The study recommends for the schools to ensure child protection in special education school from neglect by enhancing the promotion of children’s well-being within the school-setting.

Paper No: 
4606