PARENTS CONCERNS REGARDING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN SIERRA LEONE

The study centered on parents of children with disabilities concerns regarding their children in the regular education schools through ascertaining whether the schools are adequately equipped in terms of special learning materials, teaching methods, assistive devices and physical provisions.It was initiated against the backdrop that little attention is placed on their views in relation to their childrens placement in inclusive schools. There is anecdotal evidence regarding the inadequacy of special learning materials and physical facilities for this population. This indicates an existent relating to parents views on inclusive education. The study employeda quantitative approach. The research population consisted of parents of children with disabilities/special needs. Data analysis involved computation of numerical/statistical data. The findings revealed that the schools lacked special learning materials. It also revealed that parents were unsatisfied with the teaching methods for children.On physical provisions, findings indicated that existing structures are not disabled-friendly attributed to the absence of disabled students as a consideration preconstruction of the schools. The study concludes that, in view of the short falls discovered, there is dire need for provision of special learning materials and assistive devices in inclusive education settings. In addition, parents of children with disabilities inputs, positions, or viewpoint of the inclusive environment of their children/wards are necessary to towards ameliorating their concerns inclusive practices in schools.