Purpose: This study explores the knowledge of primary school teachers inidentifying children with learning disabilities.
Method: The study sample consisted of 200 primary school teachers from 16 schools in Bangalore, India. The teachers’ knowledge about learning disabilities was assessed using Knowledge Questionnaire on Learning Disabilities.
Results: The results revealed statistically significant differences in overall knowledge and various domains across gender, type of school, education, class being taught and years of experience.
Conclusion: The need to improve the knowledge of primary school teachers for the identification of children with learning disabilities was highlighted. Based on the findings of the study, the “Manual for Primary School Teachers on Learning Disabilities” was developed.
Background: Disability inclusion in the curricula of higher education institutions contributes to socially responsive graduates with a capacity to address the cross-cutting issue of disability in development. This article discusses a study conducted at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa, to explore disability inclusion.
Methodology: An instrumental case study approach was adopted and a thematic analysis of data was done.
Findings: Academic staff found a variety of ways to include disability, such as discussions in class, practice and service learning, but mainly as part of disciplinary requirements. Including disability as an issue of social justice stems mostly from the personal interest of staff, and is done in an ad hoc manner.
Conclusion: Disability should be valued, and integrated into the curriculum in a structured manner as a perspective on diversity with which to interrogate our beliefs about ourselves and society. Theorising on disability is needed, as well as the unique perspectives that emerge across interdisciplinary boundaries, especially within the African context.