Postsecondary transition barriers for students with disabilities in two neighboring school regions in Botswana

Abstract

Successful delivery of transition services for students with disabilities remains a significant challenge in the developed and developing countries like Botswana as students continue to experience poor post-school outcomes. This study examined teachers’ perceptions about barriers concerning the effective implementation of transition practices and principles in Botswana senior secondary schools. The researchers adopted a quantitative research approach using paper surveys to collect data from 258 participants. Teachers reported several challenges in the transition process and showed significant differences on transition barriers by teacher position and school region. Challenges noted among others included inadequate training of teachers and shortage of resources to support transition. Recommendations for practice include the formulation of a transition legal framework and provision of clear guidelines in the delivery of transition services.

Keywords:

• Botswana
• disability
• post-school outcomes
• postsecondary transition
• transition barriers

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Goitse B. Ookeditse

Goitse B. Ookeditse is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Botswana. His current research interests include career development and transition planning and programming for students with disabilities as well as orientation and mobility programs for individuals with visual impairments.

Joseph Habulezi

Joseph Habulezi is a senior education officer in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development in Botswana. He is in charge of the production of educational materials in alternative formats for learners with special educational needs. His current research interests include inclusive education, the education of learners with visual impairment, and orientation and mobility for learners with visual impairment.

Kefilwe J. P. Batsalelwang

Kefilwe J. P. Batsalelwang is a senior lecturer of gender studies in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Botswana. Her current research interests include inequalities, adolescent sexual reproductive health and education, gender equality, and women empowerment.

Neo J. Molemane

Neo J. Molemane is a final-year student in special education at the University of Botswana. His current research interests include provision of special education services to students with disabilities, teaching strategies for students with visual impairment, functional vision assessment, and orientation and mobility for individuals with visual impairment.