A study of the peer acceptance of the physically handicapped children within the integrated class in Nairobi

Abstract

This study focused on the physically handicapped children within the integrated class in Nairobi. It aimed at determining whether or not the physically handicapped children were accepted by the non-handicapped. It also sought to establish if there were any gender and age differences in peer acceptance of the physically handicapped children and if attitudes towards integration were related to peer acceptance.

The sample of this study was drawn from three schools situated in Nairobi. These were two primary schools and one secondary school. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of eleven (11) children who were physically handicapped. Eighty nine (89) non-handicapped children were included to make a total sample of one hundred pupils' (100). Two instruments were used. A Sociometric test and a Likert type questionnaire to measure pupils' attitudes towards the physically handicapped children by the non-handicapped.

The results of the study revealed that: - i) There was no significant difference in peer acceptance of the physically handicapped children by the non-handicapped. ii) Peer acceptance of the physically handicapped children by the nonhandicapped children become greater progressively as children grow up. iii) There was no significant difference between girls and boys in peer acceptance of the physically handicapped children. iv) There was a positive relationship between integration of the physically handicapped and non-handicapped and peer acceptance.