Related services avalable for pupils with special educational needs in the reguler classroom

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the availability of related services for pupils with special educational needs in regular schools Akatsi District. The design was a survey and the study used interviews and document as methods of data collection. The sample size was twenty five (25) comprising twenty (20) pupils with special educational needs in the regular schools and five (5) parents of special needs children. The findings were: there were inadequate essential services for pupils with special educational needs in the Akatsi district. As a result, such pupils were handled like “normal” pupils. Lack of funds, traveling long distances to access related services and negative attitude on the part of service providers were other challenges affecting pupils with special educational needs. It was recommended that, teachers in regular classrooms must be equipped with the necessary skills and attitudes to manage pupils with special educational needs. Related services are crucial for the overall development of the special needs child hence the need for its provision in all districts in the country. Finally, parents of children with special needs must be re-oriented and supported for effective provision of related services.