PhD Theses & Dissertations

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    Disability load on households hosting children with deafblindness in Iganga, Mayunge and Jinja districts, Uganda
    (Kenyatta University(un published work), 2014-04) Ojwang, Vincent P.
    Unlike in the developed world, there is little documented information about children with deafblindness (CWDB) and, virtually no research has been done in Uganda regarding all aspects of deafblindness. Therefore, little is known about the disability load borne by the household and its effect on the quality of life and the educational development of the children. The purpose of the study was to determine the nature of the disability load in the household hosting CWDB and the resulting impact on the members. The specific objectives were to dimensionalise the disability load, find the effects on the quality of life. the impact on the schooling path, investigate gender differences and generate a conceptual framework for improving schooling outcomes. The building of this conceptual framework was guided by other relevant existing theories. The approach of the inquiry was qualitative, using the Grounded Theory design which is appropriate for examining complex phenomenon. The method of inquiry was systematic, intended to carry out data collection procedure and analysis using constant questioning and comparison. A sample of five households was purposively selected. From every household, between four to five participants were selected to give a total of 23 participants. They were "selected because they had borne the disability load by raising and Jiving with CWDB. Two instruments were used. namely. in-depth interviews as well as observational guide. A pilot study to test the instruments, check the use of resources and increase familiarity with the procedure for inquiry was undertaken. Permission to carry out data collection was sought from the national and district authorities. Each interview was preceded by clarification of the aim of the interview and promise of confidentiality. Individual members of the household were interviewed in depth. The information was recorded using a tape recorder, while observing accompanying behavior. Internal and communication validity were ensured by constant questioning. comparison and theoretical sampling. Reliability in Grounded Theory approach was brought about by the development of concepts which were rigorously worked out to form categories. Concepts formed in this way last long and are therefore reliable. Immediately after each interview, the recorded information was transcribed. Data analysis included open, axial and selective coding. The study established that household members while hosting CWDB, experienced disability load of many dimensions, with the emotional one being the greatest. The disability load had a severe impact on the quality of life in the households as well as the schooling path of the children. The gender difference on the impact on the schooling path was detected but was not significant. The final outcome of the inquiry was a conceptual framework grounded in the data. The framework has been named the Disability Load Conceptual Framework. It is recommended that policies be developed to guide practical intervention into the socio-economic lives of household members in order to improve the schooling path of the children.
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    Effects of teachers' use of communication techniques on activities of daily living for learners with deafblindness in selected primary schools, Uganda
    (Kenyatta University (Unpublished work), 2016-10) Omugur, Julius Patrick;
    The thesis concerns a study on the effects of the teachers' use of communication techniques for achievement of daily living activities for learners with deafblindness in primary Schools in Uganda. The thesis contains five chapters. That is Chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, chapter four, and chapter five in that order. It aims to identify and describe the extent to which the teachers' use of communication techniques has had an effect on the learners' ability to acquire life skills during activities of daily living in selected primary schools in Uganda. The word deaf blindness is used throughout the thesis, to imply learners who have both a hearing and visual impairment that necessitates that teacher makes relevant adaptations for the learners to participate in ADLs. The detail of the literature is discussed in chapter two. The study was carried out in two districts, and in two government-aided primary schools from Eastern and Mid-western regions of Uganda. The report adopted a survey research design. A target population of 60 participants and a representative population sample size of 30 participants constituted the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to identify participants who taught learners with deaf blindness in the selected Schools of the study. The results were obtained through descriptive analysis using a triangulation approach, by observation, interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis followed categories and emerging sub-themes from the set objectives. The study embarked on interviews and observations with the teachers during indoor and outdoor ADLs. The theory of Social Interaction and the theory of Language and Communication guided the study. These theories stated that; the elements of language constitute its meaning to include aspects such as the use, context and content and their interconnectivity during interactions and dialogue. A conceptual frame work was developed in relation to literature reviewed. Purposive sampling approach was used to identify study sites and participants. The study is hoped to create awareness among communities about the education of learners with deaf blindness. The findings may benefit educationists and policy makers in the area of learners with deaf blindness. Study findings may create awareness among stakeholders who might be of help to fill gaps identified. The study concluded that teachers of learners with deaf blindness were not doing well in the area of communication that had an effect on the learners' participation achievements during ADLs. The study recommends that teachers be encouraged to carry out exploratory visits to Schools of similar settings to enable them share experiences and challenges. Government should allocate reasonable funding to procure adapted teaching and learning materials to support teachers in their work. The Uganda National Curriculum Development Centre and other educational institutions cited in the thesis to embrace flexibility during curricula adaptations and diversity in teacher training.