ROLE OF COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION CENTRES IN THE PROVISION OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TO CHILDREN WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES IN KENYA

Disability is not inability! Globally children with physical disabilities should receive psychological, medical, and educational and social services like any other ‘normal' children. A descriptive survey design was used which explored an in-depth and holistic understanding of social life. Both qualitative and quantitative measures were used to analyse the data. Purposive sampling was used to select 2 centres, 2 administrators, 12 personnel, 12 teachers, 18 parents and 30 children with physical disabilities. A quantitative approach was employed based on questionnaires containing closed-ended questions, which were administered on personnel, support staffs and children with physical disabilities. A qualitative approach was employed based on a semi-structured interview schedule containing open-ended questions which were conducted on administrators and parents of the children with physical disabilities in the centres. An observation checklist was used to collect information about activities performed by the children with physical disabilities and facilities and equipment used in the CBR centres. The study established that with provision of appropriate and adequate provision of vocational training skills, medical services, and educational programmes to children with physical disabilities they will lead an independent life and become self-reliant. The study recommended the administrators of the two CBR centres to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Health to ensure that medical services are provide and also the administrators and the personnel should enlighten children with disabilities on the value and importance of each service offered at the CBR centres. Finally, the government should see the need to assist the community-based rehabilitation centres either financially or materially so that the CBR centres can improve their services.