Special Needs Education

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The Attitudes of Parents Towards their Blind Children: a Case Study in Bahir Dar Town
(Addis Ababa University, 2002-06) Zelalem, Fisseha; Teferra, Tirussew (Professor)
The main purpose of this study was to find out the attitudes of parents towards their blind children. The method used was that of qualitative research methodology. The data were mainly collected using an in depth interview. Seven parents were the main informants of the study. The results of the study indicated that parents expressed different reactions as a result of having blind children. These were shock, denial, anger and sadness. The stigma held by the society about the causes of blindness influenced parents to feel quality and disgraced. This may be one of the causes for parents to develop negative attitude towards their blind children. The beliefs held by parents about the causes of their children’s blindness varies from real cause to sin, evil eye, curse, misdeed in previous life by parents and misfortune. The types of treatment sought by parents to get cure for their children varies from modern medical center to traditional healer, witchcraft, prayer, and holy water. Some parents believed that their blind children have less learning potential, unable to accomplish household chores, and unable to play like sighted. Those parents who are in better educational level have positive perception about their blind children and play positive role in the overall personality development of their children