Hearing Impairment; Barrier to Social Participation for Secondary School Students in Meru District-Arusha

Abstract

This study assessed barriers to social participation for secondary school students with hearing impairment in Meru District, Arusha. The study was guided by the Social Disability theory. Qualitative (descriptive) research design were applied whereby a total of 143 respondents were included in the study. Data were collected through focus group discussion (FGDs), interview and classroom observation. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings revealed that lack of sign language interpreters and discrimination of people with HI in the community leads to their poor participation in the community.  This study concluded that there is a need to create awareness among community members that hearing impairment is a medical condition that can be handled. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the government of Tanzania should introduce sign language lesson from primary schools to tertiary institutions basically to enhance interaction between learners with hearing impairment and other people in the society.