Role of assistive technology in enhancing perticipation of children with disabilities in basic education in Nigeria. Exploring the Perspective of Special Education Teachers
Abstract
Aim: The core objective of this study is to investigate how assistive technology can
be used to facilitate access to basic education among children with disabilities
in Nigeria. Drawing on teachers’ perspective, the study investigated how
assistive technology facilitates children wtih disabilities inclusion and
engagement with classroom learning and how assistive technology is used to
solve learning problems and its challenges
Theory: Social model for disability was used to explain the conceptual meaning of
disabilities in this study. Also, universal design for learning (UDL) theory
provided the theoretical framework to investiagte the role of assistive
technology in enhancing participation of children with disabilities in basic
education
Method: Qualitative approach was used in this study. Eight (8) teachers with cognate five
years experience in teaching children with disabilities were purposively sampled
and data was obtained through the use of interview. Deductive thematic analysis
was therefore used to analyse the data
Results: The findings show that assistive technology play a critical role in facilitating
inclusive learning for children with disabilities by providing them with the tools
they need to access education and participate fully in the learning process. Also,
it was obtained that assistive technology is used to address learning difficulties
such as reading, writing and arithmetic. Furthermore, it was found that assistive
technology (AT) play a crucial role in facilitating independent learning among
children with disabilities. However, challenges associated with the use of
assistive technology in Nigeria such as lack of training, poor infrastructure,
cultural barriers and limited awareness were also reported.
Degree
Student Essay
Collections
Date
2023-07-03Author
Ayantoye, Seye Kenith
Keywords
Assistive Technology
Basic Education
Disabilities
Children Participation
Language
eng