Community Participation with Schools: Towards Equitable and Inclusive Education for All Children with Special Needs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the community participation with schools, towards equitable and inclusive education for children with Special Needs. Quantitative method was used to collect data empirically through questionnaires. The researchers developed a questionnaire consisting of three sections and each section contained 12 items so questionnaire consisted of 36 items. The data was collected from 120 teachers of Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Lahore district. After this, percentages of responses were calculated through descriptive statistics using frequencies. The mean and standard deviation were also calculated. The research has shown the community participation towards equitable and inclusive education which resulted in creation of inclusive community where stigma and discrimination against children with disabilities (PWDs) do no longer have place. To effectively promote inclusive education all over the country and consequently create inclusive society, the Government of Pakistan, through its ministries in charge of education, local governance, and family protection should adopt, improve, and implement the community involvement considerations as revealed in this research.