Impact of the Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) On Inclusive Education of Persons with Disabilities in La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality

Abstract

This research sought to examine the impact of the Disability Act 2006, (Act 715) and the implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy on the educational outcomes of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the Madina La-Nkwatanang Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. It focused on the experiences of PWDs in the basic and senior high schools to determine if the policies have been adequately enforced to encourage school enrolment and retention among children with special needs. The study was located in the Madina La-Nkwatanang municipality. It employed the purposive sampling method to recruit 14 participants to participate in this research. This includes five PWDs, five teachers and four headmasters. The qualitative research design was used to analyse data and the Social Model of Disability theory used as a framework for the research. Key findings include the fact that PWDs continue to be discriminated against in schools by other children, teachers and the educational system. It was also identified that most of the teachers and school authorities do not have any idea about the Disability Act and the Inclusive Education Policy, and hence use the old fashioned way to handle PWDs in their respective schools. School structures are not disability friendly, and the supervision of educational institutions against the abuse of PWDs was very marginal. The researcher recommended a training programme for teachers on disability issues and the Disability Act. A more intensive community sensitization is also recommended. Finally, a monitoring and supervision mechanism that would ensure that school authorities build structures that are disability friendly is also recommended.