Accessibility of family and consumer sciences laboratories in Botswana junior secondary schools by learners with physical disabilities

Abstract

During the past decade, significant progress has been made on how to accommodate and teach learners with disabilities. However, less research has been done on creating a conducive learning environment for learners with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the accessibility of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) laboratories for learners with mobility problems. The focus of this study was on the accessibility, reach ability, and safety of FCS laboratories. Fifty junior secondary schools in the South Central Region of Botswana were selected for the study. A questionnaire and an accessibility checklist were used to evaluate the laboratories’ current situation. The findings indicate that all FCS laboratories investigated were not designed to meet the needs of learners with mobility disabilities.