Integrating children with disabilities into Regular Schools in Kenya

The paper explores the background to the marginalization of children with disabilities in Kenya. It explains the background to the philosophical development of the Small Homes Approach by the Catholic Diocese of Machakos Development Office to accessing inclusive education to children with physical disabilities in mainstream schools. It provides the context for the transformation process from segregated provision of education in Special schools to Small Homes. It argues for the adoption of the Small Homes approach as a progressive Programme to address learning difficulties that prevent effective learning by children with physical disabilities in segregated Special schools. The paper contextualizes the benefits of the Small homes approach to the pupils with disabilities. In recognizing these benefits, the paper explores, through presentation of research findings, the merits in using the Small Homes approach in the provision of inclusive education to children with physical disabilities.

Autorentext

Dr. Malinda Harrahs Esther is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Institute for Child Development at Daystar University, Kenya. She holds a PhD in Education Science, a Master of Arts in International Child Welfare and Development and a Graduate degree in Social Work.