EFFECTS OF ADAPTED COMPUTER USE ON MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY IN JOYTOWN SPECIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA

The paper reports some of the key findings of a study that explored the effects of adaptive computer use on the mathematics performance of students with cerebral palsy in Joytown Special Secondary School for the Physically Handicapped in Kiambu County, Kenya. In the study, a quasi-experimental design was adopted utilizing a sample size of 32 students with cerebral palsy. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were adopted in selecting the sample size. The research study applied Amabile and Kramer’s progress theory and the primary data collection methods were classroom observation checklists, interview guides and pre-test and post-test. The research data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and primary data analyzed per the study objectives. The findings on the impacts of adapted computer use on mathematics performance of students with cerebral palsy are reported. The study findings demonstrated that adapted computer use increases the academic independence and performance of students. This confirms that the integration of assistive technology in mathematics learning can be a compensatory tool for children with cerebral palsy despite the motor and communication dysfunctions resulting from their disabling condition. On the basis of the study findings, recommendations are provided.  Article visualizations

IMPLEMENTATION OF INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATIONAL PLAN AND ITS CHALLENGES IN NGALA SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

The study aimed to establish the challenges in the implementation of the individualized educational plan in schools for students with hearing impairment at Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf in Nakuru County, Kenya. Data was collected from a target population of ninety-eight students, thirteen teachers and one administrator through purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Purposive sampling was used on school administrators and teachers to select all 13 teachers and 1 school administrator. On the other hand, stratified random sampling was used to select a total of 24 students. The study sample comprised 24 students, 13 teachers and 1 administrator leading to a total of 38 respondents. The research instrument included the use of questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis. A pilot study was conducted at Kedowa Secondary School for the Deaf to enhance the reliability and validity of the research instruments. Quantitative data were cleaned, labelled, coded, entered into a computer and organized using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 30. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies. The analyzed data were presented using tables, bar-graphs and pie-charts. Qualitative data collected were grouped into different themes, presented as a narrative and discussed based on the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that the major challenge towards implementation IEP was the lack of adequate teaching and learning resources. The study concluded that the major solutions to the challenges facing teachers in developing and implementing IEP suggest that the provision of adequate resources for IEP were anticipated to enhance the academic achievement of students with hearing impairment. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders should help acquire adequate resources for students with hearing impairment.  Article visualizations

RESOURCES USED IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO ADOLESCENTS WITH EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS AT KAKAMEGA REHABILITATION CENTRE, KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA

This study purposely sought to investigate resources used in the provision of services to adolescents with emotional and behavioural disorders.  The study adopted a case study design targeting 250 rehabilitees, 30 rehabilitators, and 1 manager. The study used a lottery method to select a sample size of 50% of the target population. The study sample comprised 125 rehabilitees, 15 rehabilitators, and 1 manager making a total of 141 respondents. The semi-structured interview guide for the manager, questionnaires for both rehabilitators and rehabilitees, and observation checklist for resources were used as research instruments. Piloting of the instruments was done at the Shikusa rehabilitation centre. A case study research methodology was used in the study. Data from objectives were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Descriptive statistics for example frequency tables and percentages sum up information measurably from the closed-ended items. The analysed information was introduced utilizing frequency tables, structured presentations, pie charts, and graphs while qualitative data from the manager's semi-structured interview schedule was summarized thematically and narrated in words. The findings indicated that the main material resources available were playing fields, workshops, dormitories, building and construction tools, carpentry tools, classrooms, poultry apparatus, and teaching and learning materials. The study recommends that service providers at the centre need to help the adolescents to achieve a greater sense of independence, and personal responsibility, setting goals, making choices, and understanding their responsibilities which would enhance their self-determination. There is a need for the government to implement strict measures that would ensure that juvenile acts are monitored and youths are protected from any harm. Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development should come up with guidelines on effective ways of managing learners with behaviour disorders while they are still in the childhood stage.  Article visualizations

The Effect of Embossed Picture Technique on Reading Performance of Learners with Hearing Impairments: A Case of Kambui School for the Deaf

Abstract The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of embossed picture technique when used in teaching reading to the pupils with hearing impairment. The study was guided by Piaget's theory of human mental development. The study adopted an experimental design. The study was carried out at Kambui School for the hearing impaired located on Githunguri-Ruiru road in Kiambu District, Githunguri Division, Ngewa zone, 3 kilometers off Kwa-Maiko centre. The school was chosen since it caters for all categories of pupils with hearing impairment from nursery to class eight. The school also admits pupils from all over the country. Pupils were assigned randomly to the experimental and control groups. Each group consisted of 9 pupils totaling 18. Data were collected from both experimental and control groups for a period of 6 weeks. Criterion reference test (CTR) was used as a pre-test and post-test for the purpose of data collection. Nonparametric tests such as the Mann-Whitney test and the Wilcoxon sum of rank test were used to test the significant difference in performance in reading of pupils with hearing impairment taught with embossed picture technique and those taught with "look and say" method. To determine if there was any significant effect of the degree of hearing loss on performance of pupils with hearing impairment in reading, and the difference in performance of pupils of different ages when taught with embossed picture technique, the Kruskal-Wallis one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) which takes care of small samples were used with the different degrees of hearing loss and the different ages as factors. The results showed that there is a high statistical significant difference between pupils taught with embossed picture technique and those taught with the look and say method. The results revealed that there is no significant age effect on reading performance of pupils with hearing impairment of different ages taught with embossed picture technique. Finally, the study revealed that there is no significant performance difference in reading of pupils with hearing impairment at different degrees of hearing loss when taught with embossed picture technique