An Evaluation on Stakeholder’s Preparedness on Transition to the Community for Learners with Autism after Graduation in Thika West, Kiambu County- Kenya

Abstract

Education is believed to be the major tool for enhancing a country’s development. Undoubtedly, it is the aim of most societies to provide equal opportunity and facilities to all school age children to gain access into the school system. Equalizing education opportunity has now become a primary stated goal to most countries (UN project, 2005) but children with special needs especially those with autism still have problems. What role do the headteachers, teachers, parents, community and other stakeholders play to make them fully benefit from the school programme? The role of the headteacher who is trained in special needs education impacts greatly on the improvement in the teaching and learning for children with autism. Though a lot of it whether they should be in school or not rest with their parents and teacher counselors depending on the information these counselors and the headteachers pass to the parents. It is also very important that more teachers are trained as special needs teachers. This will enhance more enrolment of autistic children in schools. What role does the community play in the education of children with special needs? There is general feeling that parents, the community and the children can improve a lot when there are frequent forums for sensitization. Regular “barazas” should also be held which are organized by chiefs or at the county level. This is prompting the project manager to want to establish how the headteachers, teachers, parents community, educationists Non- Governmental organizations and other stakeholders are ready to improve the education of children with autism.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n1p479