AVAILABILITY AND USE OF LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PUPILS WITH DYSLEXIA IN GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE SPECIAL SCHOOL, LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Availability, Use, Learning Support Services, Dyslexia, PupilsAbstract
Dyslexia, a specific learning disability affecting reading, spelling and phonological processing remains under-recognized and under-supported in many Nigerian special education settings. This study assessed the availability and use of learning support services for pupils with dyslexia in Government Comprehensive Special School, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study specifically identified available learning support services, determined the frequency of their use, examined factors affecting utilization and assessed challenges teachers face in service provision. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The total population for this study was 28 teachers. Census sampling technique was used to sample the entire population for the study. A 25-item structured questionnaire was used to collect data and analyzed using mean scores with a criterion mean of 2.50 for acceptance. Findings revealed limited availability of specialized learning support services for dyslexia with only basic accommodations like extra time during assignments and simplified worksheets being available. Frequency of use of available services was low due to multiple barriers. The findings revealed that inadequate teacher training in dyslexia-specific interventions, lack of appropriate instructional materials and insufficient funding were the major factors affecting use of learning support services. Key challenges identified were limited assistive technology and absence of screening and assessment tools for early identification of dyslexia. The study concluded that without targeted interventions and resources, pupils with dyslexia in Government Comprehensive Special School, Lafia will continue to experience barriers to effective learning. It was recommended that school administrators should prioritize the establishment of a dyslexia screening and assessment unit in the primary school section. Nasarawa State Ministry of Education should institutionalize regular training and professional development workshops for teachers.References
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