Inclusive Education and Rehabilitation of Students with Neurological and Developmental Disabilities: A Case of Pakistani Schools- Community Collaboration

Abstract

The study was carried out to explore the nature of collaboration between the schools of students with neurological and developmental disabilities(SWNDDs)and the community institutions including family, health, general education, and social welfare. The study is carried out through a quantitative survey. The population of the study was teachers, and the parents of students with neurological and developmental disabilities studying in different schools in Punjab. A total number of  100 teachers (both male and female) and 31 parents(Mothers & fathers ) were selected through a simple random sampling technique. Two structured questionnaires, one for teachers and one for parents, were used to collect the data. Each questionnaire consisted of two sections; demographic information and close-ended statements. The validity of the questionnaires was estimated from experts in special education. The reliability of the questionnaires was .83  and .80(Cronbach’s Alpha). The data analysis shows that schools had a low level of collaboration with health and social welfare departments but a moderate level of collaboration with regular education and families of students with NDDs.The need for strong and effective school-community collaboration for the welfare and uplift of students with neurological and developmental disabilities and their parents is recommended.