Examination of school principals' attitude towards disabled individuals: A qualitative study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reveal the attitudes of school administrators towards the inclusion of disabled individuals in normal education classes and the possible factors that may affect their attitudes. Material and Method: Semi-structured interview questions were used to collect data. The study was conducted with 23 school administrators. Data collection was conducted with administrators of public secondary schools in the Şahinbey district of Gaziantep province. Findings: According to the results of the study; in positive attitudes, the majority of school administrators stated that they approached each individual as a candidate for disability. It is seen that they also stated that this situation is due to the fact that disabled individuals start life from a lower level than healthy individuals and are deficient. On the other hand, it is seen that the presence of a disabled person in the family also affects the attitudes of school administrators. In negative attitudes, school administrators stated that disabled individuals are constantly faced with a resentment and a psychology of inferiority. It is seen that they stated that they mostly provide solutions through communication in their opinions regarding the problems encountered by disabled individuals. On the other hand, it was found that disabled individuals are valued the most in terms of solving problems. It is also seen that they are in communication and on the other hand, they declare that they give tasks suitable for their disabilities. In the arrangements/improvements made for disabled individuals, it has been revealed that the areas of use should be facilitated the most. In the organizational support provided to disabled individuals as an institution, it has been revealed that the most they state is that awareness-raising trainings are given to other employees. It is also stated that events are organized for the development of the social aspect of disabled individuals and for their good communication with other individuals. It is emphasized by school principals that communication is the most important skill of disabled individuals and that their work ethic is very good. Finally, in the opinions regarding the concept of difference in attitudes towards other individuals and disabled individuals, it has been revealed that some school principals express that they make positive discrimination, while school principals with opposing views state that they are given tasks suitable for their disabilities in tasks specific to their disability status, which are the same in terms of behavior. Conclusion: As a result of this research, it has been found that the attitudes of school principals towards the inclusion of disabled individuals in normal education classes are positive. Keywords: Disabled individual, school principal, secondary school, case study