Educational counselling needs of students with disabilities in Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria

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Published Oct 20, 2024
https://doi.org/10.47434/JEREDA.5.3.2024.336
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Vol. 5 No. 3 (2024): VOLUME 5 ISSUE 3 - SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2024

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Terfa Ahon Adaka
Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
Joseph Terkula Chia
Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
Vivienne Seember Tarka
Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigated the educational counselling needs of students with disabilities in Federal University of Lafia, focusing on their counseling requirements to enhance academic performance.


Purpose: The primary purpose was to identify counselling needs and assess the accessibility and awareness of counselling services available to these students.


Methodology: A survey research design was employed, conducted in the Department of Special Needs Education The study involved a population of 20 students with various disabilities, including 12 hearing impaired, 5 visually impaired, 1 with a learning disability, 1 amputee and 1 with cerebral palsy. A self-designed instrument titled Educational Counselling Needs and Students with Disabilities (ECNSD) was utilized for data collection. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, applying percentage and frequency for demographic information and descriptive statistics (mean) for research questions.


Results: The findings revealed that students required counselling on tailored learning strategies and accommodations. There was a lack of awareness regarding available counselling services and the physical structures for these services were often inaccessible. Communication barriers were noted, particularly for students with hearing impairment when services were not provided in their preferred language.


Conclusion: The study highlighted the urgent need for improved educational counseling services for students with disabilities in Federal University of Lafia, emphasizing that current services are inadequate and must overcome significant barriers to support student success effectively.


Recommendations: It is recommended that the government improve the accessibility of physical structures and resources for counselling services. University counsellors should receive training to better understand and address the unique needs of students with disabilities effectively.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
Adaka, T. A., Chia, J. T., & Tarka, V. S. (2024). Educational counselling needs of students with disabilities in Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria. Journal of Educational Research in Developing Areas, 5(3), 336-347. https://doi.org/10.47434/JEREDA.5.3.2024.336
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