Perceived factors that influence the academic performance of learners with special needs in Iganga girls secondary school
Abstract
The study examined perceived factors that influence the academic performance of learners with special needs in Iganga Girls secondary school. Non-probability sampling procedures were used through purposive and snow ball sampling techniques in order to capture information from a knowledgeable respondent. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics displayed through tables. The study found that the most forms of disability were visual impairments, deafness and male student were more affected. Parents of learners with special needs did helps them to realize their academic potential and learners performed well because of their parents’ involvement in their education however they performed poorly because their parents did not provide what is required for their academic since most of their learning materials were expensive for their parents to afford. Learners with special needs were concerned about their education and some equally believed that they thought they were not capable of excelling because of their status. Major recommendation emphasized Learners with special needs to look at themselves as having the ability excel academically like any other normal students so that they can perform well in class despite their status. Parents should encourage their children always to have a positive mind towards their academic. This will strengthen them because they will feel like their family love them and value their existence. Community members should not under look people with disability as they are also humans like other people and this can enable them feel worthy in society. Government should support schools with learners with special needs by providing them with learning equipment such as the brail and brail papers, rams and trained teachers on sign language to aids their education and this can improve their academic performance since they will have nothing to bother them.