Browsing by Author "T/Mariam, Alemayehu (PhD)"

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    Accommodating the Needs of Students with Visual Impairment in Ethiopian National Examinations
    (Addis Ababa University, 2015-06) Gebru, Amare; T/Mariam, Alemayehu (PhD)
    The purpose of this research is to investigate to what extent Ethiopian National Examinations are accommodating candidates with visual impairment. In this study, blind and low sighted students who are admitted for National examinations, exam development experts, exam administration experts, school teachers and administrators, leaders of single and cross disability organizations(visually impaired persons), officials of National Educational Assessment and Examinations Agency(NEAEA) and the Federal Ministry of Education are participated. The method used in this study was mixed. Questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion, and documentary analysis were used for data collection. The findings of the study indicated that Ethiopian National Examinations were not accommodating candidates with visual impairment. In Ethiopian National Examinations, candidates with visual impairment are examined in a similar standard with the rest “sighted” candidates. According to the findings, attitudinal problems in enforcing the UN convention of Persons with Disabilities, absence of accessible learning materials and school facilities, rigid curriculum, lack of awareness, and absence of technology which is the best equalizer for persons with disabilities, absence in using appropriate accommodation for SWVI are among the major challenges affecting students directly and indirectly in National Examinations. Data from NEAEA has also indicated the achievement of blind students in Ethiopian National Examinations was far behind the “sighted” candidates. In general the research recommends for the overall improvement in assessment of candidates with visual impairment including the use of different accommodation alternatives and technologies during national examination development and administration, allocation of earmarked budget for accessible educational materials and assistive technologies as well as infrastructural arrangements Key words: students with visual impairment, national examinations, accommodations, disability, assessment etc
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    Employers’ Hiring Attitude, Hiring Practice and Post-Employment Experiences Regarding Persons with Disabilities in Addis Ababa: Government and Private Sectors in Focus
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Beyene, Gezahegn; T/Mariam, Alemayehu (PhD)
    This study is undertaken to study employers’ hiring attitude, hiring practice and experiences regarding persons with disabilities (PWDs). The study utilized a mixed methods research approach to gather information. Hence, the study used a cross-sectional structured survey research design and a case study approach to expand the breadth and range of the study. A sample of 183 government and private sector employers were given a questionnaire on the attitude and hiring practice of PWDs. The attitude expressed by employers about employing PWDs and their hiring practice were measured by the instruments adopted and modified for this study, ‘employers’ attitude and hiring practice scale’. In analyzing the quantitative data frequencies, percentages, mean, t-test, ANOVA, correlation and multiple regressions were as appropriate. The qualitative descriptive research approach aimed to explore the employers post-employment experiences of PWDs, interview was conducted with five employers selected purposefully.This qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed thematically as part of an in-depth data analysis process. The results of the study revealed a favorable attitude towards employing PWDs among many employers. It was, however, in total contrast to actuall hiring practice by employers in positions vacant in their respective organizations. Paradoxically, positive employers’ attitude did not result in higher employment practice ascertaining employers did not transfer their positive attitude to their actual hiring practice. Findings from the qualitative data also revealed that employers experienced both positive and negative experiences and the nature of these experiences influenced the employers in particular ways. Employers dominantly expressed their experiences working with PWDs as a positive and enriching; PWDs were described as committed, punctual, hard working and concentrating on tasks. Although many employers had expresses positive experiences, post employment barriers of PWDs in the work place didn't seem to be minimal. These barriers include: lack of reasonable accommodations, inaccessibility of work places, gaps between state policy and practices, and lack of disability sensitive organizational policy. Over all, the educative finding of this research is that problems employers have regarding PWDs is not attitudinal rather practicability problems. Recommendations are also made for future actions and researches
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    Practice of Providing Sign Language Interpretation at Black Lion Secondary School in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-06) Zerihun, Piter; T/Mariam, Alemayehu (PhD)
    The purpose of this research was to investigate and assess interpreters’ sign language interpreting practice at Black Lion secondary in school, Addis Ababa. The study used qualitative case study research design, using interviews, focus group discussion and observation as data collection tools. Participants of the study includes selected purposefully three sign language interpreters, four teachers, six Deaf students, one special need professional and school principal. The findings of the study indicated that the interpreters were working in the school without any formal training, enough knowledge how to interpret, lack of monthly salary for their interpreting work, poor communication between the teachers and deaf students without having sign language interpreter and the absence of support from the ministry of education and other non government of organization in order to facilitate their interpreting work. All were found to be major problems. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommended measures that can ease the problem by providing of sign language training, evaluating of interpreters certificate of interpreting before they employed in the school, improving of enough budget for interpreters annual payment and providing of support from the school management and ministry of education in order to improve their interpreting performance.
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    Practices on providing sign language Interpretation at Minilik II Preparatory School
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-11) Mamo, Alemayehu; T/Mariam, Alemayehu (PhD)
    The main purpose of this study was assessing the practices of sign language interpretation in one of the preparatory school found in Addis which serves deaf students together. To achieve the objective this study, data were collected from 6 interpreters, 3 coordinators, 53 hearing impaired students and 6 of their teachers who attended the school when the research has done. The data gathered was analyzed and interpreted with the qualitative methods. The finding indicated that there is no encouraging classroom setting and fruitful educational interpreting services. These in turn had created communication gaps and the students’ gradually had lost academic satisfaction. Based on this the researcher recommended measures that can ease the problem by improving classroom setting and interaction, enhancing the awareness and capacity of teachers, students, interpreters and families, as well as place and strengthen support and monitoring and evaluation system