Gonzague, Habinshuti2016-03-082016-03-082015-09http://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/14389A research thesis submitted for the degree of doctor of philosophy (special needs education) in the school of education of Kenyatta University.This is a descriptive survey research design which sought to investigate influence of disability on access to HIV and AIDS information by students with disabilities in institutions of higher education in Rwanda. The sample size purposely included 154 students with disabilities, 5 deans of students, 5 medical doctors and 5 heads of HIV and AIDS clubs. Questionnaire focusing on objective of the study was used to collect data from students with disabilities. An interview schedule was used to collect data from deans of students‘ services, medical doctors and heads of HIV and AIDS clubs. A pilot study was done to enhance reliability and validity of the research instruments. To measure instrument reliability, the researcher employed test-retest technique. The calculated reliability coefficient using the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.86. The content validity of the research instruments was ensured through expert judgement using the supervisors and other academic staff from the department. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics namely frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics of Chi-square at .05 alpha level. The statistics were generated by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data were analysed through content and narrative analysis and emerging major themes were identified. The findings revealed that students with disabilities are at increased risk of contracting HIV and AIDS, they are sexually active and they constitute a special group which needs special attention. The study showed that there is incorrect perception on the mode of HIV and AIDS transmission and prevention among students with disabilities. The findings revealed that, there are many sources of information in the community, which some PWDs had access to while others are not disability specific. This study showed the best way of communication about HIV and AIDS for students with disabilities. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the government of Rwanda, the organization of people with disabilities and the organization working with people with disabilities should break down barriers by elaborating specific policy and providing training and workshops to address the various misconceptions about HIV and AIDS transmission and prevention among students with disabilitiesenThesis