Perception of learners with special needs on implementation of inclusive education

Abstract

It was the aim of this study to gain infom1iltion concerning the perception of learners with special needs on the implementation of inclusive education. Due to misconceptions about the implementation of inclusive education the researcher thought it necessary to conduct a research on what the views of learners with special needs are about inclusive education. To reach the aim mentioned above learners with special needs were randomly selected from two schools (which implement special needs) from the Bloemfontein and Mangaung area in the Free State. The participants in the research conducted were from grade 8 and grade 9. A quantitative approach was applied by means of distributing questionnaires to the learners. To support or reject the findings a qualitative approach was applied by means of interviews. The findings from the interviews supported the findings of the questionnaires, which implies that few participants were clear on the meaning and implementation of inclusive education, others were ignorant on the topic and showed signs of fear and insecurity. Most of the participants however were very positive about the implementation of inclusive education. From the findings mentioned it became apparent that orientation amongst all learners is to be done in order to understand inclusive education and those barriers, which are a hindrance in the implementation of inclusive education, should be removed. The researcher is of the opinion that the implementation of inclusive education could therefore acknowledge and suppo1t individuals and ensure quality education for all learners i1Tespective of their differences; race, gender, age, class and ability.