Promoting support services of special education units for enhancing educational achievements of students with disabilities in Tanzanian universities

Abstract

This study examined support services offered by special education units in promoting quality education for students with disabilities in Tanzanian universities. It employed a qualitative approach under multiple case study design. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam at the University of Dar es Salaam (Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere Mlimani Campus and Dar es salaam University College of Education). Two disability specialists and ten students with disabilities were purposively sampled. Findings revealed shortage of trained disability personnel and disability specialists were more committed to handling academic and administrative duties rather than social and psychological roles. Thus, support services offered by the special education units should expand beyond traditional educational and administrative roles to address social and psychological needs of students with disabilities.