CAUSES AND REMEDIES OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to identify the causes of social exclusion of students with hearing impairment with reference to home and school. An intensive review of literature covered related topics such as characteristics of social exclusion, dimensions of social exclusion, different models of social exclusion, marginalized children in Pakistan and initiatives taken by government, and the role NGOs and INGOs in promoting and implementing inclusive education in Pakistan. On the basis of literature review, a model was proposed to measure social exclusion; this linear model addressed two major sources of social exclusion (Home environment and School environment). Two Likert scales and one questionnaire was developed, one for students, one for teachers and one for parents of students with hearing impairment. A panel of experts assessed the validity of the instruments. All three were then pilot tested. A sample of students (n=560) studying in the classes 6-10 from seven divisions of Punjab, their teachers (n=250) and parents (n=250) were selected through convenient sampling. The data collected from students with hearing impairment, parents and teachers were analysized. On the basis of data analysis, major causes of social exclusions were identified related to home and school. Researcher proposed remedies in second part of data analysis to overcome the factors causing social exclusion in home and school. The plan of remedies was sent to a panel of experts for its validation. It was finalized on the basis of qualitative feed back of experts.