Identification of the Problems Faced by Exceptional Children at Primary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan)

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the problems faced by exceptional children at primary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All the government institutions for persons with disabilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to physically handicapped students only. The study was further delimited to seven government institutions for persons with disabilities. From each institute, five teachers and ten students were randomly selected. The study was descriptive in nature therefore a single questionnaire was developed as research instrument for the collection of data. Data was collected through personal visits. After collection of the data, it was organized, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. Percentage and chi square were applied for the statistical treatment of the data. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers concluded that curriculum was not designed to meet the needs of special children. Special children were not being taught according to Individualized Educational Programme (I.E.P). Basic educational facilities were not available. Mobility aids were not present in the institutions. Therefore it is strongly recommended that special children should be taught through individualized educational programmes to strengthen their educational attainment. Curriculum should be designed according to the needs of the special children. Mobility aids i.e., crutches, wheelchairs, artificial limbs etc should be provided to each special education institution on priority basis.

KEYWORDS: Identification, Problems, Exceptional Children, Primary Level