Qualitative Study on Needs of Children in Schools for Special Needs among the Teachers in North Central Nigeria

Abstract Background: For a long time, the assumption has been that the children found in the classroom all have the same needs including their health needs. However, experience has shown that each child comes from different home background and some may have some special needs to be given special attention. The schools for special needs are specifically designed, resourced and staffed to cater for children with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and intellectual problems. This study assessed the needs of children in schools for special needs among teachers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in three schools of special needs in north-central states of Nigeria. A total number of forty-two (42) teachers were involved in six sessions of the FGD with seven respondents in each session. The observational checklist was used by the researcher to observe facilities availability and functionality in meeting the needs of the children. Data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: All the schools had teachers and non-teaching staff comprising of those with/without disability. They all have clinic but only one school is well-equipped. Though they all have health records system in place, but they are not cumulative. The five schools had pipe borne water source, but they practiced open dumping and burning of refuse. Conclusion: The students have over the years adapted to their impairment and it doesn’t affect their learning in any way and that the students in schools for special needs have peculiarities and these are understood by the teachers for appropriate teaching of each student.