Students with disabilities and chemistry education: Possibilities and difficulties

Abstract

Education of students with disabilities in B&H is regulated by law for primary and secondary education by responsible institutions (ministries). It can be implemented in regular schools with or without adopted curriculum, and in special centers for their education. This paper presents results of study conducted in two centers: for secondary school students with visual (CSSDO) and hearing (CSGR) impairments. The aim of the study was to explore their knowledge and interest in studying chemistry at university level. Results showed: (1) there is no significant difference in students’ achievements on knowledge test in general chemistry (GC) in CSSDO and CSGR, (2) considering their achievements in GC, they have a chance to enroll to university majoring in chemistry based on earlier entrance exams, (3) majority of students would like to enroll to university after secondary school, (4) but only one student would consider studying chemistry. These results show significant obstacles for students with disabilities to enroll to university, especially when studying science, but also the lack of proper education for teaching staff both at university and in secondary school when it comes to education of students with disabilities.