School Heads' Attitudes Towards Admission of Students with Mobility Impairment to Mainstream Schools; Do They Think Mythically or Realistically?

Abstract

This study explores the attitudes of school heads toward the admission of students with mobility impairments into mainstream schools, focusing on their perceptions regarding academie capabilities, social competence, and participation in co-curricular activities. Using an exploratory design, interviews were conducted with ten secondary school heads in District Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. The participants included heads with and without experience accommodating students with mobility impairments. Emerging themes revealed a mix of attitudes, with some heads demonstrating positive views about the academie abilities of these students, while others expressed concerns influenced by myths and logistical challenges. The study also uncovered barriers such as infrastructural limitations and perceived burdens on school resources. The findings suggest that misconceptions and lack of awareness persist among school heads, highlighting the need for professional development and policy interventions to promote inclusivity in education,