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Item Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Health Care Providers Working at Yekatit 12 Hospital Towards Speech Therapy Services Given at the Unit(Addis Ababa University, 2024-07) Rahel Yohannes; Belay Hagos(PhD)Background: Collaboration and referrals between various medical specialties are crucial for comprehensively addressing patient needs. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) evaluate and provide treatment for difficulties related to speech, language, and feeding. The limited awareness of the scope of speech-language therapy often leads to delayed management for these cases. Objective: To evaluate the present state of knowledge, attitude & practice among healthcare providers at Yekatit 12 Hospital regarding speech therapy services and to identify areas for improvement to enhance accessibility of speech therapy care at the unit from May 1-15, 2024. Methodology: Hospital based cross sectional mixed study was conducted among 264 healthcare providers of Yekatit 12 Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Total period for Study was from May 1, 2024 to May 15, 2024. Simple random sampling was used to select participants for study, who are working in the departments of the hospital. Data were collected through a face to face interviewer using semi-structured adopted questionnaire, by printed paper and was analyzed by SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to measure strength of association with appropriate AOR and interpreted at 95% CI. Bi-variable analysis was done and then variables with P<0.2 were chosen for multivariable and then multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with practice of referral. For qualitative data, it was summarized from probing questions stepwise. Results:- A total of 264 healthcare providers taking part with 98.1% response rate. Having knowledge of speech therapy service availability with AOR= 6.061 (95% CI = 3.091-11.886), the case being cleft lip and palate AOR= 2.98(95% CI =(1.39-6.4), staying updated on SLP services AOR=5.242 (95%CI= 2.652-10.361) and favorable attitude, AOR = 2.13 (95%CI = (1.87-3.79) were significantly associated with provider’s better practice status of referral to SLPs, while being not trained on SLP services AOR = 0.364 (95% CI= 0.13-0.94), long waiting lists of patients AOR= 0.47 ( 95%CI = 0.25-0.60) & having less frequent collaboration with SLPs AOR = 0.167 (95% CI = 0.061-0.460), were significantly associated with health care providers low practice of referral status to SLPs. Conclusion and Recommendation: Overall knowledge & attitude scores were 59.5% & 78.2% respectively with only 36% practiced referral. Health care providers should practice collaboration with SLP in patient care & Yekatit 12 hospital should monitor all departments for routine referral process to speech therapy services. Keywords: knowledge, attitude, practice, healthcare providers, speech-language pathologists, speech therapy services, Yekatit 12 HospitalItem The Prevalence of Acquired Neurologic Speech and Language Disorder among Adult Neurologic Patients in Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, a Retrospective Study(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Betel Kebede; Tilahun, Achaw (PhD)Acquired neurological speech and language disorders such as aphasia, arthritis, ataxia and cognitive communication impairments can be caused by neurological conditions that interfere with communication. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of acquired neurological speech and language disorders and associated factors among neurological patients at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital that received care from January 2023 to December 2023. Retrospective study design on secondary data is used to randomly select records of 384 study participants. Clinical judgment of neurology residents or neurologist is used to as measuring tool for screening ANSLD. Of study participants, 52.9% were females and 47.1% were male. 53.4% were young adults (<50yrs) while 46.6% were old adult (>50 yrs). Among the neurological conditions stroke was the leading (33.6%) while Huntington’s disease was the least (0.3%). Prevalence of ANSLD was found to be 14.1%. Of ANSLD 38.9% of them had aphasia, Dysarthria and undifferentiated speech language disorders constitute 7.4% & 53.7% respectively. Stroke (AOR=25.7, 95%CI, 9.9-66.9, P<0.001), GBS (AOR=15.8, 95%CI, 1.4- 179.5. P=0.026), MG (AOR=23.7, 95%CI, 3.5-160.8, P=0.001) AND MS (AOR=15.8, 95%CI, 1.4-179.5, P=0.026) were found to have significant association with ANSLD.in this study it is found that ANSLD was lower compared to other studies. Association observed with stroke, GBS, MG, & MS was consistent with other different studies. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the Federal Ministry of Health should allocate adequate resources to integrate speech and language therapists in department of neurology at TASH. The Department of Neurology at TASH should follow universal measuring toll for screening acquired neurologic speech and language disorder.Item The use of Alternative Communications for Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Ward at St’ Paulos Hospital(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Bethlehem Fetene; Alemayehu Teklemariam (PhD)Effective communication is essential in healthcare settings to ensure favourable patient outcomes and minimize avoidable adverse events. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies play a crucial role in supplementing or replacing verbal communication, particularly for intubated patients. However, communication barriers persist in healthcare systems, impacting patient care and psychological well-being. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is vital to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. So the main objective of this research is to explore and describe the existing communication modalities used by health professionals believe regarding the use of alternative communication or AAC into patient care in ICU and Emergency units of St. Paulo’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. While conducting the research, a convergent mixed research design was employed to collect data at St. Paul’s Millennium Medical College. The qualitative phase utilized a phenomenological approach for sampling 14 participants, while the quantitative phase employed cross-sectional method for sampling 69 observational representatives. Data analysis was facilitated using NVivo for qualitative data and SPSS version 22 for quantitative data. The research revealed that the prevalent communication methods among health professionals was conducted with head nodding and yes/no gestures being the most common. However, the success rates of these methods varied, with writing demonstrating 100% success but limited (only 15.9%) usage. Positive communication behaviours such as improving patient comprehension were noted, but gaps in suggesting communication strategies to patients were observed. Health professionals expressed favourable attitudes towards integrating alternative communication modalities, despite their limited usage at this moment. Generally, this study highlights the prevailing communication methods and their varying degrees of success among health professionals in the ICU and Emergency units at St. Paulo’s Hospital. While positive communication behaviours were evident, there remains a need to address gaps in suggesting communication strategies to patients. Based on the finding, the favourable attitudes towards alternative communication modalities suggest potential for enhancing patient care in these settings. It is recommended that targeted interventions and training programs be developed to improve communication strategies, thereby enhancing overall patient care and outcomes in the ICU and Emergency unit.Item Practices, Challenges and Opportunities of Online Learning among Students with Learning Disability in International Community School, Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2024-01) Eden Yosef; Daniel Desta (PhD)The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore the practices, challenges, and opportunities of online learning among students with learning disabilities at the International Community School in Addis Ababa using phenomenological approach. Data from primary and secondary sources has been collected using In-depth and key informant interview, document analysis, and observation. 'Taguette ', open access tool used to label and categorize meanings, then summarizing, categorizing and structuring meanings. The findings revealed that online learning had positive effects on students with learning disabilities, including stress reduction, confidence boosting, and successful in academic progress. It also improved parent-student relationships, technological skills, and accommodations to enhance learning practices and student performance. However, challenges were found in adapting teaching methods to the online environment, exploring new technological tools, and maintaining student engagement and participation. Opportunities like development of technological skills, improved student-parent relationships, and increased participation among shy students are identified. In conclusion, online learning practices for students with learning disabilities are an important innovation that enhances student performance, reduces stress during school closures, and improves technology proficiency. The study recommended the use of different accommodations and assistive technologies to promote inclusive education online. Further research is needed to explore the involvement of parents in understanding the phenomena and supporting students with learning disabilities. Keywords: practice, challenges, opportunities, student with learning disability, online learning, students support teamItem Inclusion of Students with Visual Impairments in Regular Schools of Addis Ababa: Analysis of Factors Affecting Teachers’ Practices(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Ermias Kibreab; Belay Hagos (PhD)The present study was designed to investigate factors affecting teachers’ practice of inclusive instruction strategies used to teach students with visual impairments (SVI) in regular primary and secondary schools of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study design was used. Data, from 421 teachers who were randomly selected from Addis Ababa's 19 primary and 15 secondary schools, was gathered using a survey questionnaire. Additionally, 100 SVI provided quantitative data for the study. Qualitative information was gathered from Special Needs Education (SNE) specialists, SVI and teachers, using semi-structured interview. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS 20. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the influence of independent variables (demographic information, knowledge, self-efficacy & attitudes) on the dependent variable (teachers’ practice of inclusive instruction strategies used in teaching SVI in regular schools). With regard to the analysis of the qualitative data, thematic analysis was used. This study demonstrated a moderate level of teachers’ practice of inclusive instruction strategies in teaching SVI (M=2.69 out of 4, SD=0.83). Training on SNE/IE, Teachers’ self-efficacy and attitude were found out to be significant predictors of practice, whilst knowledge is not a significant predictor. All the independent variables together explained 31.4% of the variance in practice, of which self-efficacy accounted for 25.5% of the variance in practice. According to the results of the qualitative study, establishment of Inclusive Education Resource Center (IERC) and deployment of SNE specialists at schools were considered promising practices in improving quality of inclusive education at schools. Multiple challenges were also identified with regard to the availability of resources and disability specific supports for SVI. Conclusion and possible implications for practice were indicated.Item The Experience of Parents of Children with Communication Difficulties who are Receiving Speech and Language Therapy at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College(Addis Ababa University, 2024-07) Fikiru Bedasa; Yirgashewa Bekele (PhD)Background Communication difficulties involving speech and language disorders can significantly impact an individual's ability to effectively communicate. Fortunately, speech and language therapy offers effective solutions to help improve communication and language skills. Parental involvement plays a crucial role in supporting children with communication difficulties by working collaboratively with speech therapists to create tailored treatment plans, provide necessary supports and accommodations in the therapy process. Objective This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents whose children were receiving speech and language services at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College. Methods Applying a qualitative phenomenological design, the research involved interviews and observations to collect data from ten parents of children with communication challenges. Results The study highlighted the emotional impact on families as they navigated the journey of recognizing their children's communication difficulties and challenges that parents faced, including scheduling conflicts, managing children's negative reactions during therapy, and consistently applying therapeutic strategies at home. The study also depicted effective strategies employed by parents, such as open communication and close collaborations, adapting therapy techniques, integrating play and everyday activities into therapy, respecting cultural values, and promoting positive outcomes. The identified parental efforts were aimed at helping their children develop effective communication skills, gain confidence in social and academic contexts, and foster their growth into independent individuals. Conclusion The study underscored the role of engaged and supportive parents in navigating emotions, overcoming challenges, and employing effective strategies to facilitate the success of speech and language therapy for their children with communication difficulties, ultimately helping them develop essential communication skills. Recommendations Speech therapy services should strive to actively engage parents, encouraging them to seek professional help and specialized therapy services for their children's communication challenges to maximize the benefits of speech therapy interventions for their children. Keywords: Communication difficulty, Speech and language therapy, Parental experience, collaboration, speech therapist, parental aspirationItem The Practice and Challenges of Teaching Students with Visual Impartment in an Inclusive Classroom at Dagmawi Minilik Secondary School(Addis Ababa University, 2024-07) Habtamu Mengesha; Abdurhaman Seid (PhD)Inclusive education (IE) based on the belief that every child has the inherent right to education, with their own unique characteristics, interests, abilities, and learning needs. Teaching students with visual impairment in an inclusive Classroom is the significant challenge faced in Ethiopia. The study aimed to investigate the practice and challenges of teaching students with visual impairment in an inclusive classroom at Dagmawi Minilik Secondary School in Addis Ababa. The study employed a qualitative approach using a case study design.The study was conducted at Dagmawi Minilik Secondary School. Interviews and observation were used to collect data. Eleven participants were purposively selected as the study participants. The data was analyzed by categorizing the data into four thematic areas. The study findings emphasized the critical practice and challenges faced by students with visual impairments in inclusive classrooms and the importance of implementing diverse strategies to support their academic and social development. Furthermore, the findings indicated the existing gaps in resources and support systems for students with visual impairments in inclusive classrooms however, some progress has been made through collaborative efforts and creative solutions, there is still a need for increased accessibility and tailored resources to fully support the academic and social growth of these students. The school should focus on providing personalized accommodations, promoting empathy and collaboration, adapting teaching methods, and creating inclusive environments that cater to the diverse needs of students with visual impairments, ensuring equal opportunities for academic and social growth. Keywords: Visual impairments, Perception, Challenge, and Teaching strategiesItem Inclusive Classroom and Hearing-Impaired Students at Menelik II Preparatory School(Addis Ababa University, 2024-07) Hana Abebe; Tilahun Achew (PhD)This descriptive study assessed the challenges and opportunities faced by hearing-impaired students in an inclusive setting in Menelik II preparatory school. A review of related literature is conducted to meet the objective of the study. Hopefully, the study pinpoints the challenges faced and will attract the attention of the government, school community, policymakers, and other stakeholders related to teaching and learning, specially focus on hearing-impaired pupils. Regarding sample taking as the study is focused on one school; it is manageable to take the whole school. There are 52 participants in the study, namely 35 students hearing impaired, 12 teachers, 6 sign language interpreters, 2 principals, and 2 administrative staff. The systematic random sampling technique is applied to give an equal chance of representing the sample. Data gathering instruments applied for the study include questionnaires, structured interviews, and observations. The findings show that there are opportunities like having the chance to grow in an inclusive setting. However, some challenges outweigh than the opportunities that hinder the success of hearing-impaired students, which arise from the education system, the academic staff, the administrative staff, and sign language interpreters. To achieve the target and mitigate the problem the collaborative effort of the stakeholders is required. It is therefore important to help students with hearing impairment achieve the same academic destiny as their' counterparts who hear. Based on the above participants this research tried to work on to improve the existing problems and present the findings.Item Beliefs and Practices of the Nuer Community towards People with Disabilities in Lare Woreda, Gambela Region(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Keak Chuol; Yirgashiwa B. (PhD)This study was conducted in the Nuer community in Lare woreda, Gambella region on “Beliefs and Practices of the Nuer Community towards “people with disabilities”. The main objective of this study was to explore the traditional beliefs and practices of the Nuer Community towards “people with disability” in Gambella Region, Lare Woreda. The study has used qualitative methods with purposive techniques to collect relevant data. The tools used for data collection were semi-structured and unstructured interviews with open-ended questions. Study respondents were 36 (M = 31, F = 5), based on social group 4 kebele administrative leaders, 4 community elders, 6 religious leaders, 10 people with disabilities, 10 youth without disabilities, and 2 health professionals. Results obtained from respondents on traditional beliefs about the causes of both born with and without disability have fallen under three major sources of beliefs about disability in general: Eighteen respondents on the term “disability” said, “There is “No” one word or term that directly translates to the term “disability” in Nuer language. And The term disability from the other participants, if it is translated into the Nuer language, means “lack of ability or capacity." Study results (findings) have been analyzed using descriptive/narrative methods. In general, study results have shown that traditional beliefs about the causes of disabilities are still predominant in the Nuer community. Though explanations on the causes of disability differ considerably, the results indicated that the Nuer community believes “disability is created (caused) by the “God of Heaven.” And useful and harful practices about Nuer community toward people with disability. Therefore, The regional government should promote the rights of persons with disabilities based on their choices and their interests to ensure human rights, dignity, and inclusivity. Emphasize the importance of equal opportunities, access to education, healthcare, and employment for all individuals, including people with disabilities and the researcher was interested in studying the Nuer nationality (tribe), in Gambela region Lare woreda to examine the beliefs and practices of the Nuer community towards people with disabilities”. Keywords: Beliefs and Practices, Useful and Harmful, people with disabilitiesItem The Practice of Inclusiveness at Addis Ababa University: In The Case of Students with Disability(Addis Ababa University, 2023-07) Hana Menkir; Tirussew Teferra (Prof.)Examining Addis Ababa University's inclusiveness Practice regarding students with disability was the purpose of this study. Four basic research questions were utilized by the researcher to accomplish this goal. A qualitative research approach was employed by the researcher. Six students with three types of disability were the study's participants. They were sampled by using criterion purposive sampling technique. They are all Addis Ababa University students. Interview and focus group discussion were used to gather data. The qualitative data was analyzed narratively. This study found that, inclusion is not practiced and implemented properly at Addis Ababa University. Even though there are some individuals who are cognizant of inclusion, the remaining are a challenge to the students. Students are challenged by different problems including inaccessibility, lack of trained sign language interpreter, lack of assistive device and teaching aids, elevators and ramp services, attitudinal barriers and inability to build social relationships. Also, the finding show the intervention to be undertaken to overcome obstacles and improve the quality of services at the University that include conduct awareness program, promote the collaboration of relevant stakeholders, provide assistive devices and learning materials, conduct training sign language interprets, make all facilities accessible to students with disabilities, implement domestic policies and proclamations and international conventions and involve the participation of students with disability at the University.Item Exploring the Experiences of Primary School Teachers in Implementing Inclusive Education: The case of Kolfe Keranio Sub-City(Addis Ababa University, 2023-05) Tizazu Abebe; Abebe Yehulawork (PhD)The main purpose of the present study was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of teachers in implementing inclusive education practices in Kolfe Keranio sub city primary schools. A qualitative research approach was employed and a case study design used. The study purposively sampled thirty two teachers from five selected primary schools. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were employed as instruments of data collection, and the data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that Primary school teachers have different levels of awareness and understanding when it comes to inclusive education, Teachers accommodate students with special needs despite the fact that some of them do not have qualifications/training in SEN, Teachers experienced varied challenges in implementing the inclusive education for students with special needs The study also established that there are gaps in teachers related to accommodating diverse learning needs and collaborating effectively with support services and finally the study proved that there is a shortage of government consistent follow up and personnel to adequately support inclusive education practices in primary school. Keywords: Experience, Qualitative research, Inclusive education, Kolfe KeranioItem Attitude of Health Professionals towards Persons with Disabilities and its Associated Factors at St. Paul Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.(Addis Ababa University, 2023-01) Hanna Asefa; Tilahun Achaw (PhD)The experience that people with disabilities face while using health care services is a complex interaction between their medical condition and the social and physical environment. The attitude of health professional affects the rehabilitation outcome and interaction with the society. The aim of this study is to assess the attitude of health professionals towards person with disability in St. Paul Millennium Medical College Hospital in Ethiopia. A cross- sectional survey was conducted from November 10 to December 9, 2022; to assess the attitude towards disabled patients among health care professionals in St. Paul Millennium Medical College Hospital. The sample size for the study was calculated using single population formula, and a total of 422 study participants were recruited for the study, using random sampling techniques. Data was collected using a self-administered questioner developed by using Attitudes Towards Disabled Persons Scale, consisting of 20 items rated on a six-point Likert Type Scale. The collected data was entered to Epi data software and exported to SPSS version 26, for further analysis. Descriptive and Inferential statistical analysis was conducted to describe the variables and to identify the association between dependent and independent variables. Healthcare professionals participating in the study were with mean age of 27.9±4.1 years. The study showed the proportion of health professionals having a positive attitude towards disabled people to be 77.2%. In addition, factors that showed a statistically significant association with the attitude of health professionals towards disabled persons include: Age of the participants [AOR= 2.67; 95%CI (1.33-11.45)], profession of the participants physicians[AOR=0.25; 95%CI(0.71-0.88)], income level [AOR= 2.97 ; 95%CI(1.34–12.76)],presence of disabled person in family [AOR= 3.12; 95%CI(1.74–14.22)] and contact with disabled[AOR= 2.22; 95%CI(1.98–5.15)]. age of the health care professionals, profession, income level, presence of disabled person in the family, and having contact with disabled persons were determinants of having negative attitude towards disabled persons. Therefore, interventions to improve the attitude of health professionals should focus on the identified factors. Key words: attitude, health professionals, person with disabilityItem The Practice of Inclusive Education in three Selected Government Primary schools of Addis Ababa at Arada Sub-City(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Wondye Engda; TirussewTeferra (Prof.)The objective of this study was to investigate the practice of inclusive education in three selected government primary schools in Addis Ababa at Arada Sub-City. In order to investigate the practice of Inclusive Education in the selected government primary schools, a qualitative case study was applied to identify the status of each school in practicing Inclusive Education. A purpose sampling technique was used by the researcher because the information collected from samples are collected applying multiple criteria can be useful to multiple purposes too .To collect a sample of 3 school principals, 12 regular teachers and 24 student with disabilities to share their experiences regarding the practices of inclusive education. To seek corroboration or assertion of data, the researcher applied triangulation using different research tools. Various instruments such as one-on-one interview with regular teachers and school principals, focused group discussion with students with disabilities, classroom observation was taken by the researcher .As well as in secondary data, document analysis was used by the researcher in this study. The results obtained were presented, analyzed and discussed in line with the themes derived from research questions by using narrative. It was found that the school principals and regular teachers attempted to actualize inclusive practices in spite of the truth that they did not have in-depth knowledge and aptitudes or skills in what constitute Inclusive Education. Although the envisaged idea of inclusive education is to ensure education for all learners, the school principals and regular teachers were of the opinion that inclusion can only be applied with confidence to a limited extent. Moreover, they maintained that not all the learners found in their respective schools are eligible to be taught in regular schools. This assertion was attributed to poor school infrastructure which does not respond to the call of Inclusive Education and that obstructs inclusion of learners with special/diverse needs. Results suggested that the IE could not enthusiastically practice due to different challenges. Hence recommendations were made to relevant school stakeholders and further research to be conducted in the implementation of Inclusive Education. Key words: Inclusive education, special/diverse needs, inclusive practiceItem The Practice of Inclusive Education in three Selected Government Primary schools of Addis Ababa at Arada Sub-City(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Wondye Engda; TirussewTeferra (Prof.)The objective of this study was to investigate the practice of inclusive education in three selected government primary schools in Addis Ababa at Arada Sub-City. In order to investigate the practice of Inclusive Education in the selected government primary schools, a qualitative case study was applied to identify the status of each school in practicing Inclusive Education. A purposive sampling technique was used by the researcher because the information collected from samples are collected applying multiple criteria can be useful to multiple purposes too .To collect a sample of 3 school principals, 12 regular teachers and 24 student with disabilities to share their experiences regarding the practices of inclusive education. To seek corroboration or assertion of data, the researcher applied triangulation using different research tools. Various instruments such as one-on-one interview with regular teachers and school principals, focused group discussion with students with disabilities, classroom observation was taken by the researcher .As well as in secondary data, document analysis was used by the researcher in this study. The results obtained were presented, analyzed and discussed in line with the themes derived from research questions by using narrative. It was found that the school principals and regular teachers attempted to actualize inclusive practices in spite of the truth that they did not have in-depth knowledge and aptitudes or skills in what constitute Inclusive Education. Although the envisaged idea of inclusive education is to ensure education for all learners, the school principals and regular teachers were of the opinion that inclusion can only be applied with confidence to a limited extent. Moreover, they maintained that not all the learners found in their respective schools are eligible to be taught in regular schools. This assertion was attributed to poor school infrastructure which does not respond to the call of Inclusive Education and that obstructs inclusion of learners with special/diverse needs. Results suggested that the IE could not enthusiastically practice due to different challenges. Hence recommendations were made to relevant school stakeholders and further research to be conducted in the implementation of Inclusive Education. Key words: Inclusive education, special/diverse needs, inclusive practiceItem Assessment of Early Grade Three Student’s Reading Skill: In Some Selected Primary School in Yeka Subcity, Addis Ababa.(Addis Ababa University, 2023-05) Wudie Nibret; Alemayehu Teklemariam (PhD)The aim of the study was to assess the reading skills of early grade students with special focus on Grade three students and factors that influence reading skill acquisition in selected primary school in Yeka Sub-City, Addis Ababa. In doing so, an explanatory sequential design with mixed approaches was used for the study. The total sample size of the study 176 which was, 171 grade three students, 3 teachers and 2 school principal. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were employed to select the participants. To collect data, reading test, an interview guide, and an observation checklist were employed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 was used to organize quantitative data for analysis and Descriptive statistical tools like frequency and percentage and inferential statistical tools like An independent sample T-test was used to analyze quantitative data, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically using narrative mode. The results revealed that the majority of grade three students in public primary schools were low in word reading, oral reading fluency, and reading comprehension. While most grade three students are good at letter identification and phonological awareness. There was a significant difference between availability of reading materials and grade three students reading skill acquisition. The finding of the study further showed that there were many factors that influenced early grade reading skill acquisitions, such as the availability of reading materials, instructional methods, and the accessibility of environments. The study also concluded that the majority of grade three students were at risk of reading difficulty.Item Education of Students with Hearing Impairments in Regular Classrooms at Yekatit23 Primary School: Inclusion/Exclusion(Addis Ababa University, 2023-07) Wudnesh Tilaye; Alemayehu. Teklemariam (PhD)The major objective of the study was to explore the practice of teaching learning process of students with hearing impairment in regular classroom at Yekatit23 primary school, Bahir Dar. In order to achieve the objective of the study, a total of 21 participants were involved in the study, including 5 students with hearing impairments and 5 students without hearing impairment from grade 5 up to grade 8, 3 sign language interpreters, 4 regular teachers, 2 special needs professionals, and 2 school principals. The study used semi structured interviews and observation with a check list as data collection tools for the participants. The result of the study was described and analyzed qualitatively, guided by the main research questions. The research provides insights into the challenges faced by hearing-impaired students in inclusive classrooms, the importance of appropriate teaching methodologies and support systems, the need for qualified sign language interpreters, and the significance of sign language education and evaluation mechanisms. The study also showed that the education of students with hearing impairments in regular classrooms, without fulfilling their individual educational needs, can lead to a sense of exclusion. This study has important implications for education by promoting inclusivity for students with hearing impairment in regular classrooms. It highlights the need to address challenges and adopt inclusive approaches, ultimately fostering a supportive and equal educational environment for all students.Item The Role of Parents of Children with Developmental Disability for the Effectiveness of Center-Based Rehabilitation Services: The Case of Addis Guzo Centre(Addis Ababa University, 2023-07) Fikiru Bedasa; Abebe Yehulawork (PhD)Rehabilitation services for children with developmental disability determine the interventions chosen by a multidisciplinary team with involvement of parents. Most of the needs for rehabilitation go unfulfilled in countries with low and moderate incomes, and more than half of those who need rehabilitation treatments do not receive them in Ethiopia. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of parents of children with developmental for the effectiveness of center-based rehabilitation services. Qualitative approach was applied a phenomenological design to conduct the study. The study was conducted at Addis Guzo Center wich wich is located in Addis Ababa, Lideta Su-city. Observation, interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Fourteen parents of children with developmental disability were purposively selected as the study participants. The data was analyzed by categorizing the data into four thematic areas. The study findings showed that parents were not initially aware of their responsibilities and roles in providing rehabilitation services; however, the professional support and awareness-raising services that the professionals of the center provided for them encouraged their active involvement. Additionally, the study findings identified that rehabilitation services play critical roles in supporting children with developmental disability, and the involvements of parents in the process of rehabilitating children with developmental disability contributes to holistic progress of a child including improvements in their day to day activities, social inclusion, and advocate their fundamental rights. Rehabilitation centers should involve parents in providing rehabilitation services for children with developmental disabilities to assure expected outcomes. Keywords: Institution-based rehabilitation, Inter-Professional Collaboration, developmental disability, Rehabilitation, intervention, Parental roleItem Practices and Challenges of Inclusive Education in Two Selected Government Secondary Schools of Sheger City Administration Sebeta sub-city(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Gudetu Amanuel; Daniel Desta (PhD)Inclusive education is a system of education that provides all learners, including those with disabilities the equitable opportunities to receive effective education with the required support services brought to them. The study aimed to investigate how inclusive education is practiced and its challenges in two selected secondary schools of Sebeta sub-city. To succeed in the objective of the study, it considered sixteen students from grade nine and grade elevens, two secondary schools principals, one secondary school supervisor, ten classroom teachers, and two special needs educators at Sheger city administration Sebeta sub-city in the academic year of 2022/23 were purposefully selected. The design for the study was a case study type guided by four research questions. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussion, observation, and document review. Data obtained from different sources were analyzed using qualitative methods, and as needed the study showed, there was a good beginning in the practice of inclusive education. But, inadequate service given by stakeholders and a lack of attention to students with special educational needs were raised. Under school Strategies to support and promote inclusive education raised by respondents, making strong school administration, creating conducive learning surrounding, Capacity building training for school administration, teachers, and community. Make the classroom more inclusive and promote collaboration between students. Students with special educational needs were not given attention by their teachers and some teachers do not appreciate the differences. Lack of sufficient learning and assistive materials, disorganized and insufficient resource room needed attention. To solve the above problems recommendation were given. Oromia education bureau and schools need attention to consolidating sufficient budget to enhance the participation of SWD in the schools. School administration should provide strong leadership and need to fill the shortage of any important facilities. Oromia education bureau, Sebeta sub-city education office, and the schools need to give attention to the regular activity of mobilization programs about inclusive education practice campaigns. Most teachers and principals are not fully equipped to teach SWD and manage in schools. So, schools need to give a great emphasis giving on job training to enhance attitude and perception among SWD in the practice of inclusive.Item Assessment on the Management of Disciplinary Problems of Students: The Case of Selected Government and Privately-Owned Schools of Woreda Sebat in Arada Sub City(Addis Ababa University, 2021-11) Asrate, Enat; Yehualaworke, Abebe (PhD)The main purpose of this study is to assess the management of disciplinary problems of students of selected government and privately-owned schools in Arada Sub-city. A case study research design was used to achieve the purpose of the study. The primary sources of the study were interview, focus group discussion and reviewing school specific code of conducts. A total of 20 interviewees from teachers and school principals, 5 from each school were participated and four FGDs, one for each school were undertaken. Data collected using these instruments were analyzed using thematic analysis that is used to analyze qualitative data. As per the finding of the research types of disciplinary problems in both types of schools are outlined as disrespecting teachers. In fact the finding of the research revealed many types of disciplinary problems but the above was the dominant one. The causes of most types of disciplinary problems reveled by the research participants are, family and unregulated media use. As a result of these, the problem of indiscipline seems only in school compound but it goes beyond school and affect a family, community, society and a nation at larger. Most of the participants especially, the government schools agreed on the need of ethical/ moral education in the education curriculum and all were agreed on the need of a collaboration effort made by family, school and government/community to better manage disciplinary problems of students. Keywords: Disciplinary problems, the need of moral education, Management of disciplinary problems, Discipline, Assessment of disciplinary problems, what should be done for disciplinary problems.Item Policy-Practice Gap on the Implementation of the Pre-School Education, Selected Government Schools in Sebata City Administration(AAU, 2021-08) Diriba, Desalegn; Yewalawerk, Abebe(DrThis study aimed to examine the essential process of preschools and to investigate the view point of the policy practice gaps in preschools. The study considered school principals, preschool teachers, expert from education office and parents of children. Using the purposive sampling technique, 2 preschool principals, 4 preschool teachers, 1 expert and 2 parents of children were selected from Alemgena and Mulugeta Gedle preschools in Sebata City Administrations in the academic year of 2020/2021. Data were collected through interview questions, focus group discussion guiding questions and observation checklists. The research design was qualitative approach guided by four research questions. Based on the essential questions of the study, prosperous information was obtained from the participants individually and in groups. Using the obtained data, the study tried to point out the policy practice gaps on the implementation of preschool education encountered. The data collected from the participants were categorized into themes and interpreted as a result. The study found that the accomplishment of holistic progress of children in the preschools were based on teachers’ understanding of the how to practice and implement preschools according to policy of preschool education and minimize the gaps. The study also exposed the lack of commitment of the government to promote preschools education to the desired level. Besides, findings of the study revealed that the appropriateness of ECE provision was challenged and there are unqualified stake holders (experts, principals and teachers) and lack of adequate physical learning environment and facilities as well as the large class size. It is recommended that to implement the policy practice, all stake holders must be well qualified and trained to assure quality education in preschools. By this reference, implementation of the preschool curriculum, teacher’s guide and textbooks must be found in the schools. Furthermore, lack of budgets and manpower should be revised regarding by city education office and government. It would be better if the government give attention to allocate ear marked budget and trained man power to support pre-primary schools and help them run their work independently to the required extent and give them awareness program about the use and objectives of preschool educations