DefinePK

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges in implementing an inclusive education policy for children with physical disabilities in public primary schools in Geita District Council. The study was guided by system theory and utilized a mixed research approach with a convergent parallel design. A total of 110 respondents were selected through purposive and simple random sampling methods. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, observation, and questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 20, while qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that the inclusive education policy is effectively implemented in public primary schools in Geita District Council, with children with physical disabilities enrolled in mainstream primary schools. Inadequate training for teachers in inclusive education, unsuitable school infrastructures, negative societal beliefs about disabled individuals, a lack of monitoring and evaluation of inclusive education policies, long distances from home to school, and insufficient emphasis on inclusive education by the government and other educational stakeholders are challenges hindering the implementation of inclusive education policies in public primary schools. The study suggests that the government, in collaboration with education stakeholders, should ensure that school infrastructure is suitable for disabled students and provide them with necessary equipment such as wheelchairs, exercise books, pens, and school uniforms. Additionally, to promote the value of disabled individuals, the government and private sectors should review their employment policies to ensure that each department or job includes at least one disabled person.