Challenges affecting Epileptic learners in the society

Epilepsy is a medical disorder of the brain involving episodes of irregular electrical discharge in the brain characterized by periodic sudden loss or impairment of consciousness often accompanied by convulsions. It is also known as a neurological condition which affects the nervous system, also known as seizure disorder. It is usually diagnosed after a person has undergone more than one convulsion. It normally results into a learner becoming a special need. It is a condition that is traced in the world’s overviews of the historical development of Special Needs Education way back in the 17^th century.

It was first mentioned in Ancient Babylon way back 3000 years back ago. Back then people with disabilities all over the world were considered social outcasts. They were not regarded as part and parcel of the community.

It was then believed that the disabilities came as a result of witchcraft, curse or punishment from God. It was also believed that any form of disability was contagious in any inclusive setting. Over years Special Needs Education has evolved in six stages: Neglect, private tuition, institutionalization, normalization, deinstitutionalization and the current inclusion period in that order.

Traditional beliefs and customs created barriers in the learning of affected persons with disabilities who were considered cursed. At home, they were hidden by the parents to avoid shame, thrown away or left at the institutions like hospitals or even denied right to education.

The parents and guardians of learners with special needs, need a lot of sensitization, awareness and knowledge of how to support and develop positive attitudes of these learners. In Kenya, Ominde, (1964) noted that every young person should be given an opportunity to learn and be regarded valuable in the society. Education for all (1990), also highlighted differences which are present in today’s societies and stated that many groups have learners with learning difficulties are excluded from mainstream education resulting into dropout and repeaters.

Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE) has provided various support to over 50,000 persons with epilepsy and conducted many training courses in epilepsy management, in which more than 5,000 community and health professionals have been reached. The introduction of inclusive education has been a driving force in the provision of special needs education.

“In our society today, some people still discriminate them and call them names like idiot, imbecile, stupid which make them develop low self-esteem minor hence they feel desperate and neglected in the society,” says Mrs. Anne Yano a teacher of special education.

Yano says her special education teaching experience has made her be considered a victor in the society since she has produced many successful Kenyans. She adds that we have to accept the epileptic people in the society to enable them feel comfortable. She also insists that all children are liable to education without segregation and regardless of their disabilities according to our National and International policies on Special Needs.